Self Pay , I need info.

Hi all, Curious to know if anyone did this self pay and how it worked? Did you have to pay in full before or was there payment options? thanks, Stacie

If my memory serves me correctly, FCB does do self pay. Not sure if it is only the LapBand right now. But there has been mention of self pay for the RNY as well. Give them a call. They are a wonderful practice. http://fairfieldcountybariatrics.com/ Towanda

thanks for the info. Stacie I emailed you also.

Hi Stacey, I did self pay. My insurance company covered all of the "pre-op" testing, and was pre-approved for the surgery & they cancelled a week before the surgery. Stating I had a "rider" in my insurance plan. St. Francis hospital & Dr. Barba's office worked with me. I received a 30% discount due to self paying. I did pay in full, but when I spoke with the hospital's financial department, they were willing to work with me. You will be required to put a portion "down" on the surgery. Dr. B's charge was 3K, the annestisia was around $1500 (I think) and the hospital was the most expensive at around 8 grand. (give or take.) I believe my payout was a little over 11 grand. (It was a year ago so $$ is a little bit of a guess) WLS is a tax deductable option. Unfortunately, I sold my stock options to pay for my surgery & got hit with taxes last year so it didn't make a difference as a deductable. I'm getting ready for a tummy tuck late October...& that too will be out of pocket...however the $$$$ was an investment that was worth every dime. Good Luck, Mickey

Stacie, There are also companies that make "Medical" loans. Have no idea what the interest rates are, but they shouldn't be too bad. I am about 50 days post-op and have lost 55 pounds. Even if I had to pay myself, it would have been worth every penny. Good Luck. Bob

Bob, Hi, thanks for the info. I'm slowly researching the self pay part. It's time consuming and the doctor's do not rush to give you information either. I will have to research the companies that do the medical loans. Thanks for the tip. 55 pounds is amazing. Good for you. Keep up the good work. Stacie