What if? Anybody know?

Ramone188
on 6/2/07 3:39 pm - Canada
Hi All, I'm going to be having my Lapband surgery done on June 29th in Monterrey, Mexico. I talked with a representative from Alberta Health Care and she informed me that with an itemized billing of the procedure, I could submit a claim to AHC and get some of it covered (I was floored!). Ultimately, my question is this. Since I went out of the country to get the procedure, what happens if I have a complication after I get back? Has this happened to anyone? Does your local clinic Doctor refer you to a local Bariatric surgeon (i.e. In Calgary I believe it's Dr. Mitchell) and they cover things from there under AHC as normal service or do I have to get on a plane and head back to Mexico!
punkybett
on 6/2/07 11:25 pm - Calgary, Canada
I'm hoping to go to Mexico as well and that is my biggest concern, what about aftercare, fills or any problems? I too am surprised about AHC coverage!!I'm going to call Dr Mitchell's office tomorrow and ask if they will take patients who had surgery in Mexico. Maybe someone else has answers.
Ramone188
on 6/3/07 3:08 am - Canada
When I called Dr. Mitchell's office it was with regards to getting fills. He will perform fills on out of country surgeries (at $125 per pop...) but the receptionist said he is only in the office two 1/2 days a week (unreal... I need to go back to school and be a Bariatric surgeon!). For fills, she said the more notice they have of when you need it done the better, and they will do their best to get you in around that date.
Cindyf
on 6/3/07 1:24 pm - Calgary, Canada
WOW AHC will come some of it, nice to know! I just finished my three manatory weight loss classes at the PLH in Calgary, now I have to do a 6 month weight loss program and loose at least 10% of my weight, before I even get to see Dr. Mitchell for a consultation for lap band. So I need to ask and I hope you don't mind me asking but how much is the surgery going to cost in Mexico? Thank you
punkybett
on 6/4/07 1:39 am - Calgary, Canada
Hi Cindy and Ramone, It's good to know there are others in Calgary doing the lapband surgery. From what I've seen on various websites, the cost in Mexico is $7000 - $9000US, depending on the clinic and surgeon you choose. This includes hotel and hospital stays and sometimes airfare. It is a lot less expensive than in Canada and the clinics/hospitals are very modern and as clean as any here. Everyone I've heard from has been very happy with their care. Ramone ,where you having your surgery and how did you make that decision? There are a lot of choices.
FyernRain
on 6/4/07 1:41 am - Edmonton, Canada
Ok..so you are saying AHC will cover 'some' of the surgery...what amount? and can a person get surgery other than the lap band in Mexico? I think after care (fills) may be pretty costly and hard to find. Do I want that hassel? I don't think so....I don't want to be 'fooling' around with my body at this point in my life. I think I am start ing to lean towards the RNY procedure as appose to Lap banding.
Ramone188
on 6/4/07 11:47 am - Canada
The number for AHC is 310-0000, then dial 780-427-1432. You need to ask to speak to someone from 'Out of Country claims'. I'll probably call again just to make sure, but when I first talked to the lady I doublechecked three times about being able to submit for the Lapband procedure. She basically said that as an Albertan, I have the right to get medical care anywhere I want and the Lapband is a medical procedure. She indicated you must get itemized billing and AHC would pay the same rates that an Alberta doctor would get for the items (anesthietics, the lapband it self, surgeon fees, hospital fees, etc). I told her I was doing it on my own, no referrals with AB doctors, etc and she said it was fine. If anybody wants to call and get even more details (and share!) that would be excellent. Ultimately, I was prepared to eat the entire cost but If I can get anything back at all that would be bonus. I'm going with Lite n' Free. It's about $8,000 USD and I pay flight on top of that. The other firm I was going to go with was Dr. Joya and I could pretty much have gotten the surgery and flight for a total of $8,000USD, but I felt more comfortable dealing with Lite n' Free (the references and forum notes about both places were excellent). Also, with Lite n' Free, I could pay for the deposit with a credit card instead of having to go arrange for a wire transfer, etc. Also with Lite n' Free, they indicated that there is no proof that a pre-op fasting diet is required, so I don't need to worry about that unless I really wanted to.
punkybett
on 6/5/07 12:36 am - Calgary, Canada
Hi Ramone, Thanks for the phone numbers and other info. I'll call this morning and let you know what they tell me. I thought the lapband was not even covered if you had it here? Maybe something has changed and won't that be terrific. I too am prepared to self pay, but would gladly take anything they want to pay for. Where do you fly to with Lite'n'free? So far I've only looked at Tijuana, esp Dr Kuri mainly because I have a cousin who went to him and was very happy with everything. I'm getting excited about doing this!!
punkybett
on 6/5/07 7:51 am - Calgary, Canada
Hi again, I just talked to AHC and got the same story as you did - hospital fees $100/day and doctors fees whatever would be paid if done in Alberta, and need itemized bills and description of surgery if possible. So it probably won't be much, but maybe will cover the airfare. I also talked to my cousin and she has the name of a doc in Calgary who will do fills for $50. Now I just have to find out when I can get time off work and just do it!!
Ramone188
on 6/5/07 8:52 am - Canada
I'm hoping you'll share the name of the Doctor that does the fills ;-)
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