How We Do It

Once the application has been submitted, Jacob’s Ride for Hearing (JRFH) reviews and studies all of the materials, tests and reports. During the initial process there are several conversations or emails that occur to ensure a complete understanding of the applicant's situation. 

Usually, JRFH’s first connection, on the operational side, is with the Cochlear Implant surgeon. We need a clear, positive written letter from the surgeon that confirms that a cochlear implant is the correct (and only) device that will benefit the applicant.  Additionally, JRFH and the surgeon then discuss logistics and cost. We want to reach a financial agreement for the surgeon’s time and expertise.   

Our second connection is with the anesthesia provider. Many times the anesthesia provider is an independent contractor and is required to match any hospital’s discount percentage. This negotiation is usually quick and easy.

Finally, we negotiate the hospital fee with the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer. Normally, the hospital staff go to great lengths to protect that official. Sometimes we deal with a “committee” that is enabled to make the financial decision. A few times, JRFH has needed to tell the hospital staff that we will NOT proceed until the verbal connection and negotiation is satisfied. (Only one time have we needed to abandon the hospital, and “rent” an operating room at a general surgery center.)

Once the above referenced providers (surgeon, anesthesiologist & hospital) and JRFH have reached an agreed upon amount, JRFH sends a “Letter of Agreement” (LOA) to each party. After JRFH’s LOA’s are ratified we proceed with the surgery.

We team with a long-established foundation that provides (donates) medical devices. For the last five years, all of JRFH implantees cochlear implants (with one exception) have been purchased - then donated - by this foundation. The foundation’s actual monetary disbursement, per surgery, is actually more than Jacob’s Ride.  If for some reason, this foundation changes their medical device preference, JRFH will need to find another teaming partner or substantially increase our financial allocation per surgery. The number of surgeries that we could do would be cut by more than fifty percent (50%).