Looking for a physician in Ks.

Hi, I'm new to this site. I have been turned down by my insurance company (American Medical Security) to have WLS. Now I am researching self pay and am trying to find the best facility and doctor to have bariatric bypass surgery. One facility that I have contacted has told me that it will run 27K barring no complications. Can anyone give me some feedback on self pay and where I might be able to have the surgery done more affordably with a recognized doctor? I reside in Kansas but would travel elsewhere. Additionally, has anyone has any luck with an insurance company approval when they state in the policy that they will not cover the procedure? Thanks for any help...

Did you try to appeal? I had my surgery done in Junction City. My policy also didn't cover it, but LivLIte in Junction City, did all the paperwork for me and also wrote the appeals for me. I was immediately approved. I really like the sugeons there and the hospital care is outstanding. They do hundreds of surgeries and are very experienced, and have a very low complication rate. This is why I decided to travel so far. Good luck

Ally, My surgery was performed in Olathe. I have just received the bill and total hospital stay for two days was close to $18G. The surgeon was Dr. Opie, his total, close to $5G and the last test performed 24 hours later, esophagus test, was $1560. There are a few extra tests you have to go through such as an EGD, sleep study eval and psych eval before surgery. These costs are not included in the above listed prices. I had a lap RNY without complications. I am very blessed to have had insurance to pay for the procedure. Hope this helps! Dawn

I am also new to KS and looking for a good PCP who is WLS friendly. I am unsure if my insurance will cover(BCBSKC) b/c we do not get it for another 3 weeks. Any ideas on a good doctor who is around the Olathe and surronding areas?

Hello...Welcome to this board...great place to start. I am with BCBSKC under Empire Blue. Husband's insurance through IBM. My PCP is Ronald Graham and he is with Associates in Family Care at Blackbob and Santa Fe (by walmart). He was very supportive. My GYN is Carrie Grounds and she is based in Menorah Medical in Overland Park at Roe and 119th by the Sprint Campus. Don't worry about the 3 weeks as this process is going to probably take a couple of months. It's a good start to go to one of the seminars offered by one of the bariatric surgeons that are local. Let me know if you need more info, happy to help.

Kim, Have you looked under surgeons in the Kansas Area here on obesityhelp? There are some great reviews of surgeons. It is initially how I chose Dr. Opie. I then made an appointment to meet him. Fortunately he was the only one I met as I fell in love with him and his bedside manner. I am a Nurse Practitioner and enjoyed how he related to me as a regular ole patient instead of someone who is highly knowledgeable in this area. I also had to consider the drive and length from my home. Olathe is 2.5 hours from home and it is an easy drive. The hospital staff were wonderful as well. Dawn

I am from fort riley ks. and i do have tricare. my dr. is dr. stwearad from tallgrass. he is in topeka i don't ko wwhat the selfpay rule is for him but i kow that RNY is pretty pricy and the lap band is anywhere from 10000 to 15000 with him. hope this helps