Frozen Section, First Block Procedure Priced at $445 at Aurora Burlington, WI

The Frozen Section, First Block procedure at Aurora Medical Center Burlington is a specialized intraoperative diagnostic test priced at $445. This rapid biopsy technique is performed during surgeries to provide immediate microscopic analysis of tissue samples, guiding surgeons in real time about the need for further surgical action. The fee covers the use of specialized freezing equipment, pathology expertise, and quick processing required for accurate, time-sensitive diagnosis. Patients are advised to request an itemized estimate for the procedure and inquire about coverage with their insurance provider, as additional costs (such as further pathological analysis or surgical intervention) may apply.

Cost Breakdown

• Frozen Section, First Block Procedure: $445
• Includes: Pathologist’s evaluation, freezing and slicing of the tissue, rapid microscopic analysis
• May not include: Additional blocks, extended pathology review, or related surgical fees

Associated Costs to Consider

• Additional Frozen Section Blocks: If more tissue samples require analysis, extra charges may apply.
• Operating Room Fees: The frozen section is performed during surgery, so surgical and anesthesia fees are billed separately.
• Lab and Pathology Fees: Further analysis or confirmatory testing may result in additional charges.

Insurance & Payment Advice

• Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for intraoperative pathology services and get details on out-of-pocket costs.
• Request an itemized estimate from the hospital to understand all potential fees.
• Ask about payment plans or financial assistance if you are uninsured or have a high-deductible plan.

Recovery & Side-Effect Considerations

• The frozen section itself does not impact recovery, but surgical decisions made based on its results may affect your postoperative course.
• Discuss with your surgeon how the results of the frozen section might change your surgical plan or recovery expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a frozen section procedure? A frozen section is a rapid biopsy performed during surgery to provide immediate pathological analysis, helping surgeons make real-time decisions.
• Why is the frozen section important during surgery? It allows for quick diagnosis of tissue, enabling the surgical team to decide instantly if more extensive surgery is needed.
• How is a frozen section performed? The surgeon submits a tissue sample, which is quickly frozen, sliced thin, and examined by a pathologist under a microscope.
• Does the $445 fee cover all costs related to the frozen section? This fee covers the first block analyzed. Additional blocks, extended pathology, or other surgical fees may be extra.
• Will insurance cover the cost of the frozen section? Coverage varies; contact your insurer to confirm if intraoperative pathology services are included in your plan.
• Are there any risks or side effects from the frozen section procedure? The procedure itself is safe, but surgical decisions based on its results may influence your recovery.
• What happens if more tissue needs to be analyzed during my surgery? Additional frozen section blocks may be analyzed for an extra fee; your care team will explain if this is necessary.
• Can I request an itemized bill for the frozen section and related charges? Yes, you can and should request an itemized estimate and final bill to understand all charges involved.
• How quickly are frozen section results available? Results are typically available within 20–30 minutes during surgery, allowing for immediate surgical decisions.
• Who interprets the frozen section results? A board-certified pathologist reviews and communicates the findings to your surgeon in real time.
• How could the frozen section outcome affect my surgery? If malignancy or unclear margins are identified, the surgeon may need to remove additional tissue before finishing the operation.

The Frozen Section, First Block procedure at Aurora Medical Center Burlington is a diagnostic service used during surgeries to provide rapid microscopic analysis of a specimen. This procedure is critical for surgeons to make immediate decisions about the extent of surgery required. The process involves freezing a tissue sample, slicing it into thin sections, and examining it under a microscope to determine if the tissue is benign or malignant. The cost for this procedure at Aurora Burlington is $445, reflecting the specialized equipment and expertise required to perform this time-sensitive analysis.

What is a frozen section procedure? – A frozen section procedure is a rapid biopsy technique used during surgery to provide immediate pathological analysis of a tissue sample, helping surgeons make informed decisions about the surgical process.

Why is the frozen section important during surgery? – The frozen section is crucial because it allows for quick diagnosis of tissue, enabling surgeons to determine if additional surgical intervention is necessary while the patient is still in the operating room.

How is a frozen section performed? – The procedure involves freezing a tissue sample, slicing it into thin sections, and examining it under a microscope to assess whether the tissue is benign or malignant.

What does the first block refer to in this procedure? – The first block refers to the initial tissue sample taken and analyzed during the frozen section procedure, which is priced at $445 at Aurora Burlington.

How long does it take to get results from a frozen section? – Results from a frozen section are typically available within 20 to 30 minutes, allowing for real-time decision-making during surgery.

Is the frozen section procedure covered by insurance? – Coverage for the frozen section procedure varies by insurance provider, so it’s important for patients to check with their insurance company regarding specific coverage details.

What are the risks associated with a frozen section? – While generally safe, risks include potential misdiagnosis due to the rapid nature of the analysis, which is why it’s often confirmed with further testing post-surgery.