So my GI's for years have been saying go to the Cleveland Clinic. But I live in Washington and the cost of going out of state for treatment is insane. I don't have nor can I even get credit cards. I live pay check to pay check. But I'm seeing alot of people on here saying they're going to Dr She's and are having pretty good luck. So my question is how many of you travel out of state for your treatment? How often do you have to travel? And how do you cover it if you do?
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The Cleveland Clinic offers financial assistance for extreme financial hardship as well as Special Medical Circumstances for treatment that can only be provided by CC. You can get more info online www.ccf.org/financialassistance or call 866-621-6385.
I am a new patient of Dr Shen and l live 1,000 miles away. His staff works very hard to accommodate patients from all over the world. After the initial consultation, they will try to schedule all tests & procedures within a week or so in order to eliminate multiple trips to Cleveland. So plan on staying in Cleveland longer rather than multiple trips.
I am having surgery at CC in a few months. Usually, a surgical consult must be completed prior to a surgical date even being set. However, there are always exceptions and they made one for me just this morning. (I was told No several times, but keep asking nicely and explaining why until they said Yes!) Now my surgical consult is the day before the scheduled procedure, thus eliminating another trip. Granted, my situation is unique (as are most of our situations), but the point is that they will try to eliminate multiple trips to Cleveland when possible.
As for the cost of travel to Cleveland, it's up to the patient. Fortunately my family is helping cover travel expenses.
Hope this helps and I wish you luck!
Thank you so much!! It really does help. Good luck with your surgery 
