Self Pay QUestion

As I read about these complications, I wonder this. I am working on getting the funds to have surgery, hopefully with Dr.C....looks like I'll have to be a self pay because insurance is not going to cover this. What happens if I have a problem that requires another operation? Like a hernia or something worse? Since insurance tends to not pay because the companies think we are all just overeaters who deserve the problems we have and they shouldnt have to pay for our bad choices, it seems to stand to reason, that they wont pay for a surgery to correct a problem that I had because I chose to have a surgery that they wouldnt pay for in the first place? So do we just go on without being able to fix the problem? this is something I guess I didnt think aboiut. i considered that I could have problems, but didnt consider that the insurance might not help me if I do. Please share.

Hey, just wanted to let you know I self paid for my surgery with Dr. C in Nov. I had my surgery the 15th and on Thanksgiving I was back in the hosp. nothing major but my insurance covered it all except my 100.00 emergency room co-pay. That is all I know from my experience. Hope this helps some.

That's a good question. It is why I am looking into Dr. Joya in Mexico. $12,500 covers all transportaton & everything.

Mexico may seem appealing at first glance, but you gotta make sure you have followup arrangements locally. Most surgeons are too busy to follow other surgeon's patients, and as I think most of my patients would attest, it's the follow up care that is the important part - not the surgery. Good luck! Dr. C

Dr. C, I am very jealous of your patients who have great insurance. In fact, I've cried many tears wishing I could be in their shoes. Unfortunately, we just are not at a place financially where we can afford self-pay in the US, an $8000 difference is a lot of money. If money was not an issue, I would certainly be giving you a call. Thanks, Darlene

I understand your situation, it's a crime that insurance companies can deny patients these life-saving operations. It's discrimination against overweight patients, if you ask me. Good luck, Dr. C

If I remember, Dr. C's plan covers a given number of days/weeks after the surgery. Donna, I suspect that the reason you only had to pay your copay was because you were still within the coverage of this timeframe. I guess I am most concerned about a complication that isnt realized until after that immediate followup time. Would I expect that my insurance will cover an illness of mine if it is caused by a procedure that they denied coverage on? I'd just hate to live through the surgery and then die from a staph infection or ganggrene or something or even malnutrician that didnt show itself at the beginning. Thanks for your responses and help.

My insurance did pay for my lap rny-but my company decided I was "costing them too much" and laid me off. Now I have no insurance. I have $5000 in medical bills from last August until now. I am coming up on one year so I need bloodwork and a follow up, which I cannot afford. I am currently self treating for perirectal abcesses which keep popping up and I don't know why-so I can understand how you feel! I am thankful that I did have insurance which paid for my surgery last year. I am VERY thankful that I have gone from a 20W to a 4L. I would go thru it all again, but there are post op expenses that I wish I could afford. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck! Becky R