Question:
Can anybody offer any feedback on self-pay?
I am interested in Lap-Band surgery. I have a private insurance policy that lists any obesity assitance (including surgery) as an exclusion. I am looking to hear feedback from individuals that have had to opt for self-pay. Cost? Discount offered? Payment plans offered? Trouble finding surgeon to accept self-pay? Any input? — Margaret H. (posted on July 27, 2004)
July 27, 2004
You are in charge. No waiting. Usually much easier. Lots of the goofy
requirements are the insurance companies, not the docs! You go to the head
of the line. Insurance companies only pay a part of what the Dr. charges.
You will have no problem finding a surgeon who will take self-pay. The
docs are happy to get a full price patient. I would look for a surgeon who
will give you a firm price.
— PattyL
July 27, 2004
My insurance co paid for my surgery, but find out what happens if you
should have complications. Will your insurance step in then? Complications
can be very costly. Good luck to you.
— Yolanda J.
July 28, 2004
My insurance also has an exclusion for ANYTHING weight loss related. So, I
was self-pay also. I opted for a surgeon in Mexico - Dr. Aguirre in
Ensenada. Trust me, I had never before ever, ever thought of leaving the
country, especially Mexico, for anything related to my health. However, I
did an extensive amount of research on this surgeon and eventually found
myself confident in his abilities. It was the best thing I've ever done
for myself. I had such a good experience and have had absolutely no
complications. Going out of the country is certainly not for everyone but
if it's an option for you, research it and find a surgeon that's good.
There are a lot of them. My doctor only does Open RNY but there are lots
of Lap-band surgeons in Mexico and other countries as well. Dr. Aguirre
has a forum on this website if you are interested in checking it out.
Total cost, including hospital, doctor, the whole this is $8500. My
experience was such a good one that I went back to Mexico (Rosarito Beach -
Dr. Gongora) for plastic surgery. If you have questions, email me at:
[email protected]
— [Deactivated Member]
July 28, 2004
Additional information - my insurance company has paid for all follow-up
visits with my PCP, lab work, etc. They even paid for my stitches and
drains to be removed, both from WLS and plastics. I think doctors know how
to code things so that the insurance companies will pay. I made sure I had
a PCP prior to WLS who would be my follow-up physician. Back in April, my
PCP told me that out of all the WLS patients he has, I am doing the best
out of all of them and that my scar looks amazing compared to many that
he's seen AND, I'm the only one of his patients who has gone out of the
country for the surgery.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 29, 2004
I self paid for my lap-rny in Richmond, Virginia last December. The
hosptial had a flat rate for the surgery, which had to be pre-paid when you
pre-registered (2 weeks before surgery) the cost was $17,500. The flat
rate was discounted in that my final bill was $39,600, yet it was all paid
in full by my pre-payment. So I guess that was a $22,000 discount. As for
payment plans, the hosptial won't take payments on an elective surgery,
they required it to be paid in full before surgery. You could take out a
personal loan, or if you own a house, take out an equity line. If you have
decent credit, it's not too hard to get a loan, it's comperable to a car
loan. I figured I would rather have a new me than a new car!!
— Patricia T.
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