LAP-Band Prices

I did see this place first. It is a beautiful place with a wonderful staff. Problem was they are considered out of network for me.  I would have to pay 5000 up front.  My parents called last nite and offered to pay it. So I am not sure what I am going to do

That is awesome your parents want to help out!  I got a call from Dr. Kim's office today. They got my paperwork and are working on checking my coverage. He is also out of network for me, but they mentioned getting a 'gap' letter from Cigna and that it is still a possibility it could be covered using them.  They said I should hear from them no later than Tues. Ali

The psych fee and program fee are separate, but both are in the $15,665 total that we quoted.

Sorry, Eli - I was out-of -town over the weekend and wasn't able to reply, but I see that Kristen did - that's great!  I was just trying to say that everything is part of that almost $16,000 Dr. Kim's office quoted - their package deal for self-payers.  I hope I wasn't too confusing! I'm glad you made your decision!  I go for my psych eval tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday).  Like you, I wonder what would cause her to "fail" me???

Hey Guys, All my pre-op tests were covered by my insurance before we submitted anything for the WLS.  And if I had to pay for my psyh eval it would have only been $200 at the most.  What are you getting for $600, that would make me wonder why you have to go to one person.  I also heard some bad stuff about that Dr at Celebration at one of my support meetings.  My insurance was easy and was approved in one week.  That is alot of money to put out if you do not have to.   Anyway, good luck on what every way you go. Sandy Wesley

Sandy, What bad things have you heard about this center? Ali

All that I will say is that everyone should be careful of repeating rumors. I have heard bad things about other surgeons as well. BUt since I have no first hand knowledge, I don't repeat it as truth. Just my .02.

Sandy, I don't know what you heard about Dr. Kim or any of the staff or Drs at Celebration in your support group, but I can say from first hand experience that they are amazing. Each and every one of them. So was the hospital staff in the Bariatric wing. My 2 friends that had Dr Kim perform their RNY will tell you the same thing. My parents are on the board at WP Memorial Hospital and they had him and the center checked out six ways to Sunday and found nothing but a stellar reputation.

Hi Ali, US Bariatric Orlando's self pay fee for Lap-Band is $15,665. This quote is valid for 60 days, and prices are subject to change (sorry, gotta add the legal stuff). The self pay rate includes hospital, anesthesia, psychological evaluation, surgeon and program fee. The program fee includes: nutrition class and materials; exercise physiology consultation; baseline, 6-month and 1 year metabolism testing; access to the nutritionist throughout your journey (email and phone support, as well as returning to nutrition class at any time); support groups (even the online support groups); first month of bariatric vitamins; and first year of office visits with Dr Kim *as well as* adjustments to your band for the first year. The hospital, however, will charge $150 for the first fill under flouroscopy. HTH, Kristen

Do you have to use the person there for the psychological evaluation or can I go to someone else?