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Surgery Guide

Learn how to get surgery in a cost effective way with cost-sharing catastrophic care

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Purpose of This Guide

At Vativis, we know that planning for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to work with our partners at Sharewell and help you:

  • Confirm that surgery is truly necessary for your situation

  • Access quick approvals for your benefits

  • Find high-quality providers at fair prices

  • Get personalized support for every step of your journey

  • Arrange prepayment when possible to lower costs

  • Focus on a smooth recovery and your overall wellbeing

How You Can Help Make Surgery Go Smoothly

As a Vativis member, your active participation makes a huge difference in your surgical experience. Here’s how you can help:

  • Request copies of your medical records from your doctors or specialists. We’re happy to help, but you’ll often get them faster directly.

  • Research and select surgical centers known for reasonable pricing—standalone surgery centers often charge less than hospitals.

  • Let providers know you’re exploring self-pay rates and ask for upfront, bundled pricing whenever possible.

  • Keep all invoices and bills from your surgeon, facility, and anesthesiologist.

  • Send all documents to Vativis as soon as you receive them so we can help you manage the process and costs.

  • If you need therapy or follow-up care after surgery, try to consolidate those bills into one where possible.

Steps to Navigate Your Surgery

Step 1: Is Surgery the Best Option?

  • Surgery isn’t always the only answer. Consider getting a second opinion or exploring less invasive treatments first.

  • Vativis can help you obtain another professional opinion to be sure surgery is the right path forward.

Step 2: Choose the Right Facility and Surgeon

  • Once you’ve confirmed that surgery is needed, you’ll need to choose a provider.

  • Vativis partners with reputable surgical centers and can also help you research facilities that balance quality and cost.

  • Choosing cost-effective facilities can sometimes help reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs.

  • Ultimately, the decision about where and with whom to have your procedure rests with you.

Step 3: Planning and Payment

  • Paying for surgery in advance can often secure lower pricing and simplify the billing process.

  • Vativis is here to guide you through payment arrangements and help you choose the best financial strategy for your situation.

Step 4: Focus on Recovery

  • After your surgery, you’ll need to plan for recovery care.

  • Always request upfront estimates for therapy or rehabilitation services.

  • Ask about discounts for paying in advance.

  • Submit all your recovery-related bills to Vativis as soon as possible so we can help manage costs effectively.

  • Vativis plans may include specific allowances to help cover therapeutic services—check your member details for your exact coverage amount.Common Conditions Treated with Surgery

While each case is unique, some of the most common reasons members consider surgery include:

  • Joint repair or replacement (hips, knees, shoulders)

  • Hernia repairs

  • Gallbladder removal

  • Certain gynecological procedures

  • Back or spinal surgery

  • ENT procedures (sinus, tonsils, etc.)

  • Eye surgeries (like cataract removal)

Always talk with your doctor about whether surgery is truly necessary and explore all options first.

Need Help? Contact Vativis

Our member services team is ready to help guide you through any surgical process — from your first questions to your recovery.

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