Question:
Does anyone have any information about Louisiana doctors and self pay?

   — Carol B. (posted on March 26, 2002)

August 23, 2002
I live in Dallas but am having my WLS in Shreveport by Dr. George Merriman. My insurance has an exclusion policy so I am paying for the surgery myself. It is less expensive in Shreveport compared to Dallas and I had a difficult time finding a surgeon in Dallas that I liked and one that would accept self-pay. The hospital fee is $8,000 @ Christus Schumpert, anesthesiology $600, Dr. Merriman's fee $5,000. My surgery is scheduled for 9/03/02. Sure, I have to travel about 3 hrs...but it's worth it. Dr. Merriman is truly a wonderful person, both caring and very qualified. I feel very safe with him as my surgeon. Also, there are other surgeon's in Louisiana that will accept self-pay...I do not know of their names but try calling different surgeon's offices...they will refer you to surgeons who accept self-pay...that's how I found Dr. Merriman. Good luck!
   — CARMEN M.