Question regarding Michael A. Schweitzer M.D.

Hi!  First time I've visited your forum, and have searched for information but haven't had any luck.  Are there any patients of Dr. Schweitzer's that can tell me if he is in-network with BCBS-FEP (Federal)?  Most of the DS surgeons that I've found are out of network that are within a reasonable distance of me.  However, it looks like Dr. Schweitzer may actually be in-network.

Thanks for any info!

Gwen, AL

 

 

  

Hi there,
I have FEP Blue and Dr. Schweitzer was on my original lists of doctor's to consider.  However, when I spoke with the office (January 2007), they explained that although Hopkins was in network, Dr. Schweitzer was out of the FEP network.  My out of pocket expenses would be about 3K.  As much as I liked the program, I couldn't afford that, so I continued searching.  Maybe things have changed since then, but you should give the office a call and get the specifics on the FEP Blue coverage.  Best of luck!

Taya

Gwen,

I had Dr. Schweitzer and BCBS (not FEP though) and he's an excellent choice.  I'm with Taya though, call their office at 410-550-0409 to be certain about coverage.  Also, check out www.smallscar.com which is his website.  Good luck to you!

I have BCBS and wanted to have the DS with Dr. S. However, like the others have said, Hopkins is "in network" however, Dr. S does not participate with BCBS.  Send him an email, he responds quickly.  Good luck

C

I'll just reply to everyone in this msg.  Thanks Taya, Heather & MonstersMom (is your avatar the cute little monster? LOL).  I checked the web site, but could not tell if FEP was in-network, but from what you've told me he isn't.  I will check with the office next week to verify.  I've just been looking for someone that's good that does the DS lap instead of open, and is in-network.  So far I haven't found anyone.  If I have to go out of network, I'll try to get approved by Dr. Smith in Atlanta - he seems to be one of the very best, and he's only about 100 miles from me.  Although I think out of pocket will be roughly 6k for him and the hospital. 

Thanks again, everyone!  I appreciate your quick response!

Gwen

Wishing you all the best in your journey!

Thanks, Cira - and what a cute little baby! 

I am a patient of Dr. S, and I have BCBS-FedBlue.  At the time of my surgery (June 10, 2008), he was NOT a participant in BLCS/FedBlue, but the hospital was...meaning that everything but the surgeon's fees was nearly 100% covered.  My out of pocket expenses to Dr. S was close to $6,000.  I do have other insurance (TriCare), but I have yet to submit my claim to them for re-imbursement.  I guess I should do that, seeing as I could potentially get back my $6,000 that I could spend on something else (new clothes!  down payment on a new car!  paying off the European vacation that I just signed us up for!).  I need to get on the ball and get that claim submitted.

Looks like he is very similar to Dr. Smith - - out of network, with total cost of dr & hospital being around 6K.  He has a 1K payment to his assistant which isn't covered by insurance, but has no program fee like some of the doctors have. 

Yes, definitely - get your claim filed!  LOL!  That's a lot of money, and if you're like me - that's just that much more I can spend!  LOL!  Ahhh - European vacation, sounds nice.  Never been out of the U.S., unfortunately.

Thanks for the info!  

  

Gwen,

Just a suggestion but we are in the midst of FEHBP insurance open season right now and Dr S does participate with Aetna (Federal). Look at the details of the coverage as it might be worth it to go with one of the high options for the year to defray surgery costs. I had basic coverage and paid less than or right at $3k for everything. As I recall my surgeon fees were covered and I paid 10% of hospital fees. I would have saved some money if I had a high option but there was no way I was waiting until 2009 for surgery. I would check to see what other federal insurance companies might work with Dr S too.

Also, if you are starting at this point, to put lots of money in your pre-tax savings account. I think you can put up to $4k or maybe even $5k in. Thus anything you pay for surgery (even Dr S fees if he is out of network) would be paid with pre-tax money.

All the best
Heather