Sterilization Reversal

Vasectomy Reversal Costs - The Bad News

Getting the bad news out the way first, vasectomy reversal costs can be anywhere from about $5000 on up to about $20,000. The least I found in an online search was around $7500. Depending on if you will have to travel to the doctor, some of the below factors can add to this basic cost. And the worse news is that your insurance company most likely will not cover the cost of this procedure. A reversal is considered by most insurance carriers as an elective procedure. They may cover some of the pre-op testing, so be sure to check.

What the cost is really going to be depends upon several factors. These factors are usually the surgeon's fees, the anesthesiologist fee and anesthetic costs, charges for the surgical facility, and any extra required for testing. Additionally you may wish, or your doctor may encourage you, to have some sperm harvested and frozen while undergoing the reversal just in case. This will add to your vasectomy reversal costs. There will be an on-going storage fee for the frozen sperm.

Although many vasectomy reversals are done in an outpatient surgical facility, your doctor may prefer to actually have you admitted to a hospital. This hospital stay will add to your costs.

This brings up a side note. Before selecting a doctor, be sure to question him as to how many of these microsurgeries he performs each year. If he performs less than 20, you may want to look elsewhere, including out of state, for a more proficient microsurgeon.

If you do need to pursue a specialist out of state, your hotel costs, travel costs and food costs will add to the bottomline. Consider as well that most doctors will want to do a follow-up check in 10 days to 2 weeks. Some will work with you to have this done locally.

As mentioned above, one of the fees you must consider is the anesthesiologist fee and anesthetic costs. These will vary depending upon whether your surgery is conducted under general anesthetia or you are given a local. Some doctors definitely prefer a sleeping patient. The more anesthetia used, the higher the fees. If you are under, most likely an anesthesiologist will have to remain standing by and that adds to your vasectomy reversal costs as well.

In some cases the doctor will find he needs to perform the more difficult procedure of vasoepididymostomy. Your doctor may add more to the fees he charges if this is so. He may not know till the surgery actually begins if this will happen, so be sure to ask about the possibility up front and what the additional fees will be, if any.

Here are some last notes about vasectomy reversal costs. If this surgery is a second or more attempt, your present doctor may charge higher fees. Most doctors will require payment up front before the surgery is done. And keep track of all your expenses. Although things change constantly with the IRS, you will find that if your vasectomy reversal costs, including your travel expenses, exceed 7.5% of your gross income, it just might be tax deductible. So keep track of everything.

Copyright 2007, Sandra Wilson