No insurance what do I do?

Hi I am trying to find a surgeon in GA that does accept self pay. I have been wanting to have wls I just have no insurance and I have no clue as to where to start. Also if anyone knows a good surgeon I would like to know how much it cost for the hospital and surgeon all together. Also if he accepts self pay. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.

Brandy, I think most will accept self-pay. Just be prepared to pay it all up front, they are not going to accept monthly payments. You could probably get a surety bond for the surgery amount but that's the same thing as paying cas for the most part. All my research indicates that the surgery will run between 25K-35K. You shouldn't shop solely on price. Are you sure you are not covered under your/your parents insurance? You could try Medicaid if you qualify or see about getting some insurance that you pay for out of pocket and doesn't exclude WLS.

Hi Brandy, I had surgery on 2/3/04 & did not use insurance. There are companies out there that offer financing for medical procedures, I know that Capital One does, but it is a high monthly payment. I was fortunate & was able to use my home equity line of credit which is a great benefit because you can get really low rates, it is revolving, & tax deductable. I love my surgeon. I used Dr. Champion in Marietta, Ga. His fees are very reasonable & his experience is top notch. He uses Emory Dunwoody Medical Center which is where the Atlanta Bariatric Center is located & it is wonderful as well. I can't give enough praises to them. Dr. Champion's staff is great & very professional. He also has an assistant Dr. Williams who I don't know as much about, but he seems very nice & caring. My total fees came to about $22,000(hospital/anesthesia/surgeon). You do have to pay everything @ your pre-op visits, which is usually a day or so before your actual surgery date. The hospital was so reasonable. Their charge was $13,500 & if you compare it to Kennestone, which is a good hospital but you pay for the size. It is important not to go on price alone - because your health & life are in hand. I was lucky enough to find Dr. Champion who I can best describe as the total package. Good luck with your journey - if you are determined it will happen! Feel free to write me if you have any questions: [email protected]. God bless

I used Dr. J.K. Champion in Atlanta. He has an internet site that use to list $22,000 as the total cost but I think if you are a cash paying patient it might be cheaper. Check out his web site, it has a lot of information. I know a lot of people in my support group who have used Dr. Champion and they all think he is the greatest. He does the lap procedure and does the leak test while doing the surgery. I think he is fabulous. I had lap gallbladder removal & wls on Tuesday and returned to work the following Monday with no problem. I am five weeks post op and still have not had any problems.