Self Pay Questions

Hi, Has anyone self paid for surgery? How much has it run and has anyone had any complications? If you have complications does insurance kick in? Do the hospitals and docs give you a break?

I self paid for mine. It was 30,000. I had no complications at all. My friend did self pay. She had her surgery two weeks ago, was able to get it for 24,900. She did have complications, she started to violently throw up, from a preexisting condition. The discharged her, and readmitted her under the other conditioin, so that her insurance would pick up the tab. Dont know if that helps or not.

My understanding is that insurance does not cover complications. It is best that you get this answered by insurance experts and see what your doctor's office can give you in a way of an answer because I am sure they have encountered a patient with complications and self pay.

Hi Mary, I am self pay. I had LapBand surgery. The Kane group at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village is great. They have lowered the prices for self-pay. For LapBand it is about 14,400 depending on some of the pre-surgery testing you must do. Insurance will pay for some of the pre-testing (i.e. blood work, sleep study, stress test, etc.). You just need to have them ordered as general health testing. My family doctor was every helpful by ordering most of the test. The Kane group also does the RNY and I think they charge something (please don't quote me) around 24,000. I had no complication so I can not tell you much about that... I did stay in the hospital an extra day and a half. I was coming home to my home. I do not live with anyone and no one could stay with me. I wanted to make sure I was going to be okay alone. The 14,400 covered the extra days. Oh, BTW, the Kane Group has over 30 years experience. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have some other questions. Ronni

Congratulations on your surgery. One month out and how are you doing? I am in contact with the kane group as a private pay also. are you going to the support group? how soon did you return to work, on light duty? Thanks, pam

Hi Pam, I am doing well. I have lost 16lbs but for the last 2 week or so, I have not lost any weight. Bansters say that the 1st 7 weeks after surgery, is called banster hell. You nomally do not lose weight and you are hungery all the time... what a mix. I love the Kane Group. Everyone is so nice and I love Dr. Kane Jr. He makes you feel so comfortable. As to light duty, I have heard from everyone on the lapband board that most of them went back to work 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. Hope this helps, Ronni

Barix has a program for self pays. I believe it is discounted and they help you with the financing if you need it. http://www.barixclinics.com/