Gastric Sleeve in OKC for under 10K??!!

I am in the process of doing my pre-op testing with Dr Walton at Weight Wise.  The 9,995 includes everything for the surgery.  However, they also require extensive pre-op testing..  nutritionist, exercise physiologist, psych eval, upper GI, EKG, and possibly a sleep study... Some insurance companies that will not cover the surgery will cover the pre-op tests.  So, if that is the case it will cose you 9,995.  If insurance will not cover the pre-op testing, it will cost you aroun 14,000 for the sleeve

It seems to me like this type of advertising is like watching a used car commercial on TV.  Most of us are considering the sleeve, and self-pay, because our insurance companies have failed us and wont cover the surgery.  However, it hsould be known, that if the insurance company will not cover the surgery, they will not cover any of the testing that is for surgery either.  If they cover the preop testing at first, and then find out later, that your UGI, EKG or sleep study was in preparation for surgery, they can withdraw their coverage and demand you pay them back.  This is very risky. I dont understand why they just dont say the price can be as much as 20K, depending on what all testing you need done.  Not, your price is $9995, plus all of the testing that is required.  I want to know my surgeon and team are upfront about everything, including my price, and not use $9995 to get me into the clinic and then tell me about all the other hidden costs.     II appreciate all the information, thanks, W.   

Wendus, I can understand that you and others would want to know exactly how much it could cost you. However, there is no way for them to tell you in advance because for instance you may have insurance that does not cover WLS, but does pay for a sleep study because you have symptoms consistent with sleep apnea. Insurance may pay for a dietary evaluation and recommendation because you have diabetes, or even for your pre-op evaluation if the Dr's diagnois previously unknown conditions. On top of that you may have no insurance coverage at all and want to pay cash.You may have a BMI of 40 with no medical problems and only 5-10 pounds to lose prior to surgery. Therefor it would not cost you as much as another patient who has a BMI of 65 who has 40-50 pounds to lose. Or a patient that has to see a cardiologist, have a sleep study or purchase a CPAP machine. So as you can see, Weight Wise and these Dr's can't give a one price fits all and give you the most cost effective price without knowing more about your medical history. Once you have met with them they can give you a very good idea what additional charges may apply to your individual situation. The $9995 price includes the surgeon and his assistants fee, facility fee, and anethesia for a two night uncomplicated stay. However, most patients go home in 24 hours.  Also included in this price is a 1 year follow up with the Dr's no matter how many times you need to be seen. The Dr's will even re-operate on you for free during this one year period for any complications!!!!!! So depending on your personal situation you could actually pay only $9995 and have a gastric sleeve with a 1 year follow up. I hope this helps.