Cash Cost of Surgery (RNY)

Okay....if I'm going to have to pay for this thing out of pocket....short of going to Tijuana, I'm going to have to begin my own little bidding war between surgeons. Can everyone that's had my fate and had to try to pay for this on their own tell me: 1.) who was your doctor 2.) total cost of procedure. I'd like to get some estimates so I can begin to narrow my search for a surgeon. I'd love to stay in Missouri. also, I'm still taking lists of employers whose insurance covers all or part of surgery. my husband is receptive to trying to get on somewhere that may have good (bariatric friendly)insurance. If you or your spouse have insurance that covered this, I'd love to know where you work (or if you know anyone with coverage). Victoria Kelsay

did you call Dr. Hornbostel's office and ask for Dena she wonderful. I have a friend thats works for DOC.. dept of corrections for the state and she had this done up in columbia at Boone hospital and did not have to pay a cent she told me. Dr. James Pitts did hers. hope this will help. Good Luck Melodie

My hubby works for TG MO in Perryville Mo not sure where you live.I think in all I payed $375.00

Victoria... I really really feel your pain. I went through hell and back getting this surgery (read my profile if so inclined)... I'm so tickled that I finally won out though!... A word of caution. There is a WORLD of difference between "cash" prices and what is billed to insurance. Then you have to factor in "in network" pricing and out of network pricing. To get a real idea of what a cash price might be you are truly going to have to call each office and ask the insurance/billing folks. There aren't too many drs. that perform this surgery in Missouri so it shouldn't be too long of a list to call around and get this information from. My surgeon was Dr. Van Wagner out of St. Louis. I know that he does Lap Band and RNY both open and lap. BEST OF WISHES TO YOU MY DEAR! Don't give up! Elizabeth~

My surgeon charged like 3500.00 hospital 20,000.00. Those are estimates. I love my surgeon, Dr. Hornbostle. Good luck,Penni

Victoria, I haven't officially chosen a surgeon yet according to my profile but I have in my mind (because I haven't turn in my paper work yet I've not officially named him as my surgeon) but I went to a couple of seminars and have learned of some "cash prices". Dr. Lopez (Overland Park, Ks) Midwest Institute of Bariatric Surgerical Center, does the Lap Band for $17,500, he does other WLS but the seminar was more leaning towards Lap Band. I also went to a seminar for Dr. Hitch**** KC Bariatric Clinic. "Cash price" for him was quoted as $16,000 for the Lap Band. Price for Lap RNY was quoted as $23,500 I believe. I'd look under surgeons as someone already posted and call to get prices. Also would recommend going to the free seminars that they have if possible, so that you will hopefully get a feel about the surgeon also. My husband has insurance through BC/BS of MN, we have a PPO plan. Although his company offer several plans. I was told at Dr. Hitch**** seminar, that they (BC/BS of MN) do have WLS coverage. My husband has also been conversing with them and he was told the coverage is 90% them and 10% me. No deductables or co-pays, just my 10% from me. We were also told @ the seminar, that there is a world of difference in "self pay" and "insurance billing". Something about the hospital and Surgeons offices have contracts with different insurance companies. Meaning the hospital and Surgeon agree to accept a price from insurance companies, which is totally different than cash prices from what I understand. My DH works @ a company close to Independence, MO name ATK Lake City Ammunition. HTH, Cassandra

I work for the state of Missouri and they are paying for the surgery, but only a maximum amount. After that I am on my own. The surgery had to be medically necessary too. Barb

Victoria, I'm having a DS in just over a week in Hermosillo, Mexico. The cost for everything but hotel for post op recuperation is $11,000.00. The surgeon I'm going to has an excellent reputation and more experience in this procedure than a lot of the Dr's that perform it in the states. He also performs the RNY, his name is Dr. Gilberto Ungson. During the week of the 28th that I'm having my surgery, there will be 2 other's from the OH DS board having the surgery there too. There is also a Dr. Aguilar in Ensenada, Mexico that does RNY for $10,000.00 and has done a LOT of them on patients here on the OH Boards. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Terri