new bariatric patients please beware

HI all! cecilia here. My posting is out of desperation. A warning to new bariatric patients. Frustration for me. Dr. Peters performed my lap band on 2/5/07. I was told on 1/26/07, my procedure was a plan exception although I have medical coverage. I had to pay for my banding myself. I have recently discovered that Christiana Medical Center TOOK my $16100 for the procedure saying it was a "package cosmetic procedure". The gastric banding was not for costmetic reasons!!!! Christiana Medical Center Billing must have made up the previous statement since this is NOT what I was told on 1/30/07 when I paid the money. I have gotten a separate bill from ANESTHESIA SERVICES, PA. I understand now they are a consultant for anesthesia services performed at Christiana Medical Center. I had no previous knowledge of this TOTALLY separate charge. I had a procedure November 2006 at Christiana Medical Center. I was under anesthesia longer yet the charges were LESS than what the gastric lap band charged. Difference was the insurance was "directly" billed for November 2006 vs out of my own pocket directly on 2/5/07. My recovery in November 2006 at Christiana Medical Center had a longer recovery yet the charges were LESS than the given 90 - 120 minute recovery of the gastric lap band. Difference was the insurance was "directly" billed for November 2006 vs out of my own pocket directly on 2/5/07. I am now faced with a separate bill of $1840 on top of the KNOWN $6000 for Dr. Peters AND the Christiana Medical Center's $16100. I will be applying for "Financial Hardship" with Anesthesia Services, PA. I am trying to cope with the billing stunt that Christiana Medical Center has pulled. I only have disability as an income and NEEDED this surgery! The surgery was not for cosmetic reasons! Please let all NEW patients know of the black holes of insurance plan exceptions and EXTRA bills that Christiana Medical Center will be sending their way AFTER their not so cosmetic procedure. Thank you for reading and understanding.

I would assume that you would have gotten a receipt at the time you paid... what does that say? Other than that, I don't understand what difference it makes as to what they called it on that receipt, as you were out-of-pocket, and it certainly isn't going to affect any other bills that you received. I am sorry that you are shocked by all the bills and I hope they give you the hardship benefit you are requesting.

I would seriously consider talking to Gary Viscio (obesity law specialist) and see what he can do for you. I would think if your payment was for "package" then you should not have had a separate bill. I would fight it. Good Luck!!