Cleveland Clinic

Well, it's a long story.  I am a self-pay--my insurance has an exemption clause for WLS.  I've heard that the Cleveland CLinic offers a variety of payment plans and payment assistance, so I'm trying my luck there.  OSU doesn't offer such assistance.

I tried Cleveland Clinic for my WLS, and I too have an exemption clause for WLS in my insurance plan. I spoke with the financial person at the clinic, but the only "assistance" offered was a link on their web site for a credit card line of credit with 17% interest. There were no options for a payment plan. I was basically told that I was very appropriate for surgery and as soon as I could write them a check for thirty grand they would be happy to help me. Something to keep in mind when comparing prices is exactly what is included. The figure I got from Cleveland Clinic was higher than the other programs in the area and it included less stuff. You need to know what pre-op testing is included in the price and what isn't. Also, the Clinic's price only included 3 months of follow-up with the physician, whereas many programs include a year's follow-up in their price. I really felt like the other programs offered at least as much in terms of pre and post op care. I am left with the impression that the higher price at the Clinic is simply because they are the Clinic, and you are paying for the name. Good luck with your decision!

Hi there!!!  I am the Support Group Leader for the Barix Clinic in Columbus , OH - We are meeting on 9/15 at 9AM at the Clinic in Groveport.   Feel free to join us and get your questions answered.  You indicated that you are self pay due to an insurance exemption - did you try the Barix Clinic and see what the cost was before going to the Cleveland Clinic?

I am concerned about the cost, your care post surgery and follow up being in Cleveland.  As well as any additional expense your family might incur by having to stay out of town. Please feel free to contact me about our support group.  If you have your surgery in Cleveland, you are welcome to join us at any time! Thanks Gen

I just had my lap gastric sleeve at Cleveland Clinic on July 23, 2007.  All of my experiences were great.  They all have a great attitude at this hospital.  You  are well informed it takes several months of aaapt before the surger y but I feel that is needed to truley get the information you need.  I have never waitied for too long for an appt.  They keep you well informed of your appt.  and how long it will be.  I feel the care after surgery was very good.    Although I have many appts to go., if it is a caring helpful hospital you are looking for Cleveland Clinic is it. 

HI there I am from Cleveland, live less than 5 miles from the Clinic and I was banded in Cincy with Dr C. I dont know if you are RNY or Band.. but if you are self pay.. holy cow they are expensive in the Cleveland Clinic.

I was quoted $27500 for the BAND!  I asked what the RNY was, because I thought the lady was quoting me the wrong surgery.. and she said $40K or so.. Geez oh Pete..

Shop around.. Dr C in Cincy does RNY and I believe it is alot less expensive than the clinic. (before I am shot by all the clinic people, I didnt say anything bad about the care.. just the price!)

I am nearing my surgery date of Oct. 3 with Dr. Shaucer and to date am very pleased with how everything has gone for me at the Cleveland Clinic.  Regarding appointments, if you speak to them, the hospital staff will be more than happy to work with you and arrange your appoitments to best accommadate your needs.  They did so with me and I was extremely please at every turn.  Now, due to the size of the hospital, you need to be conscious of where your appoitments are located and make sure that you have adequate time to move from one building to the next. It is a great place and I am happy that I have found the Cleveland Clinic at which to have this surgery preformed. Robert

I am pre-op and plan to have surgery at CCF. To date my only complaint has been how far out they are scheduling appointments. All of my appointments with nutrition, psych and even the surgeon were all 6-8 weeks out.  My current issue is with getting insurance pre-approval. My insurance company is claiming that no paper work has been filed and the financial counselor will not return my calls. I have been in this holding pattern for 6-weeks.