Looking for other pt of Flanagans

What you say may be true Mary but after doing extensive research 0n gastric bypass surgery in this state Dr Flanagan is one of the few that actually charges upfront money before he will do surgery in this state.. yes it is true Dr in other states do also. but it is more interesting that he is one of the few here that does that. and his own office staff told me that he is not taking as much insurance. because and I quote.. "he does not get enough money." sounds to me like he is in it for the money now. and Having talked to other of his patients. he has not always been about the money. but everyone I have talked to has said that this has changed. to bad such a talented surgeon should be in it now for the money especially with all the good things he has done in the past.

Hi Lori, As I understand it, because Flanagan practices privately, it cost him more to practice because he is paying his own malpractice insurance. This isn't the case with other surgeons who are affiliated with an insurance company. I have two siblings who are in the medical field; one is an orthopedic surgeon, and another who is an OB GYN. Malpractice insurance for anyone practicing privately is extremely expensive these days. My sister, who considered starting her own private OB GYN practice was stopped in her tracks by the $90,000 PER YEAR malpractice premiums. Surgeons who are affiliated with insurance companies simply don't pay these premiums, and they are only able to practice within the guidlines of the insurance company they work for. Dr. Flanagan has been battling insurance companies ON OUR BEHALF for two decades. If he charges $7000 for his surgeon's fee, and the insurance companies only pay him $4000, he is counting on the patient to pay the difference. I can imagine that, over the years, he has not been paid by some of his patients and has devolpoed the policies he currently has regarding the collecting of the difference. Other surgeons do not have to deal with any of this as they are paid a salary by the insurance company. It's not uncommon at all for a a doctor at the top of his field to charge more than his colleages that are working for insurance companies, which is why I take issue with the notion of "price gouging". I also take issue with accusing this man of being in it for the money. I challenge you to study the accomplishments of Dr. Flanagan. I did extensive research on him before I even called his office. If you do research his career and his accomplishments, you will find that he is bit of a crusader and has done more than any other surgeon that I know of for the field of gastric surgery....without pay. It's been his life's crusade and we owe him much.

Don't tell me I'm misinformed about the costs of my surgery. I have my bills the Hospital one was over $15,000 and Dr Flanagans bill is over $15,000 also. Already have my Anest. bill also it was $1900. So far about anothe $2,000 in labs and other procedures. Joe asked some simple questions, we are giving him our honest feed back, there is no need for you to get bent out of joint and angry on here. And just for your information according to my insurance as a prefered provider he is contracted with them. I didn't just flash my card as you so called it. You should look back over your post, you really seem to have some anger issues, as a nurse I suggest you seek councilling.

Ginger, I apologize. I was wrong for saying some of the things I said. I do have a tendency to be rude when I'm trying to drive home a point ...and I was out of line. I think what set me off is that Joe was asking a simple question about Dr. Flanagan's policy regarding insurance shortfalls and the few posts following were simply slam sessions....which I consider unfair, as I have already expressed in three different posts. If Joe had asked for general opinions, it would be another thing altogether....although, I would probably have piped in then as well. Anyway...I don't think I need to go on and on anymore about my opinions about Dr. Flanagan. Again, I am sorry and I do hope you can forgive me. I love this board and I honestly do respect the opinions of others. -Mary P

Did anyone bother to check out "Joe"'s profile. It's blank!!! My guess is he isn't really interested!! dk