Self pay RNY

My Hmo clearly states it will not cover bariatric surgery. Have been researching online for months, will attend my first info seminar on Tuesday, offered by the surgeon I'm considering in Ft. Lauderdale. Has anyone paid for their procedure in the Ft. Lauderdale area? Would like to have an idea of its costs. Thank you. Maria

Hi Maria- My insurance company paid for my surgery (RNY 8-30-06) but I can tell you that there is no way I could have afforded it on my own. They billed the insurance over $40,000! I did have to stay in the hospital for several more days due to a heart problem and they didn't want to release me until I had stabilized. I'm now down 45 pounds, but I'm still having issues with food. Thanksgiving was a nightmare for me because I couldn't tolerate anything; but that's another story. Good luck and I hope this doesn't depress you too much.... Neen

Maria - before you go down the self pay route - try anyway - if your dr states it's medically necessary due to co-morbidity issues then you'll be declined and then you have them submit an appeal. More importantly - contact Anita Houle @ Dr Rosenthal's office @ Cleveland Clinic in ?Weston. They process the paperwork on your behalf. She's an expert in the area. Dr Rosenthal is a great surgeon! Good luck and keep us posted.,

Maria, I had my surgery 4/10/06 with Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, I was self pay and the total was $25,000. I'm doing great and would do it all over again if I had too. Good luck. John.

I am also a self pay. My HMO would not pay. I live in Tallahasse but I am having Dr. Jawad in Ocala do the surgery.. The cost of surgery, hospital and anesthesiest (spelling?) is $23,500. There is an extra $350 to the Dr for consultation and pre-op visit. My primary care Dr. in Ocala ordered most of the tests for me. My HMO paid for blood tests, gallbladder ultrasound, doppler ultrasound on my legs, phychiatric evaluation. They would have paid for cardiac clearance but I could not get an appt with a cardiologist in Tallahassee for 4 months so I went to one in Ocala and paid myself. It cost $1,700 and I paid $150 for a nutrional evaluation. The $23,500 I was able to finance with Capital One Healthcare Finance. The WLS Dr in Tallahassee would not register with the finance company. I'm glad though because I think Dr Jawad is one of the best in the nation. Hope this helps. Carolyn

Hi Maria, I was a self pay too. I went to Dr Overcash in Ocala. You have to pay the Hospital (Munroe regional) $14000 in advance. I paid for a stress test $1800 the operation was $3200 I paid for The anitheoligest was around $2000.I figure all told, it is around $20,000. I borrowed the money on one of those free finance if you open a credit card, I have moved my balance a couple of times, but at least I'm not paying monthly finance charges. My limited insurance did pay for the surgery fee, and thats all.I went in on a Wednesday and out on Friday, open R N Y I've lost 115 and would definatly do it again.... since Jan 06 Peggy Bailey

The US Bariatric Orlando RNY self pay rate is $22,500. That includes pre-op education; metabolism testing; EKG, chest x-ray, general labwork; consult with exercise physiologist; surgeon and surgical staff; psychological evaluation; hospital fees and anesthesia. Also, your first year of USB regular doctors office visits are included through your first year anniversary visit. The US Bariatric Fort Lauderdale office might differ slightly, but at least you have a good idea. Drs. Marema and Diaz operate out of the US Bariatric Fort Lauderdale office. Dr. Marema also operates out of US Bariatric Orlando. FYI, when ObesityHelp magazine released its top 100 "Surgeon Rankings...Lives Transformed Score" (July 2003), derived from information collected from over 150,000 bariatric patients, Dr. Marema was listed as #1. Call Veronique at the USB Fort Lauderdale office at 800.592.7546 or 954.351.7770 for more information. HTH, Kristen

I was denied but went through Vocational Rehab.

Thank you for answering private pay this has helped to encourage my decission to go through with the surgery. Will keep you posted.