Self pay: Where do I start?

My surgery is Tuesday and I'm self-pay with Dr. Scott Steinberg at DeKalb Medical Center. My cost was 19,700. Hope this helps.
Sherie

Hello!

I completely understand what you are going through! My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery at all - for anyone.  So, I was also a self-pay...my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner, even though I was self-paying.  I ended up using 401K money to do it.  Had I known that I would "feel" so awesome I wouldn't have even hesitated!!!  Even if I didn't have the 401K to dip into, I would have financed it somehow - we will do it for a car, right (this is hind sight talking - I had no idea how great I'd feel, but I'd definately have done it sooner and not worried so much about the $$$)!

There are lots of Doctors out there who will take you, and many don't even take insurance anymore.

I used Dr. Michael Williams and he operates out of North Fulton Hospital and out of Emory in Johns Creek.  He's excellent and so is his staff...they are also EXTREMELY responsive.  I had experiences with other groups in the beginning when I was checking out doctors...Dr. Williams and his staff/North Fulton's Staff have got it together - you will NOT be disappointed!  Check both of them out:
michaelwilliamsmd.com and northfultonregional.com/bariatrics.

You might also consider attending a few support groups in your area and you can "hear" about patients experiences with doctors, insurance issues, etc...people are extremely helpful at support groups and you'll feel right at home.

Good Luck to you!

I had rny surgery in April of this year in Mexico by Dr Pompa. I paid $11,500 that was my airfare, hotel,and hospital stay.  I would recommend her to anyone.  As a matter of fact my son went to her in June and had Lapband done. His total cost was $6,500.  He gets his fills here.  He goes to a Dr in NC, and there is also one in Roswell.  The name of the place is fillcentersusa.com you can look them up. 

My best advise is go with someone that has insurance for any complications.  Remember that a complication can happen and your private policy will not cover that.  The practice I work with has BLISS insurance, you will be glad you looked into that....

i have been going through Emory healthcare bariatric center.  in the information seminar they told the group that if we did not have insurance or if for some reason the insurance refused to pay they had a plan with capital one for financing and they would assist with completing the paperwork.  I have been seeing Dr. Edward Lin there and hope to be approved by insurance soon. hope this helps.

Hi!  I live in Smyrna too... and will be self-pay.

After looking into WLS about four years ago and chickening out, I have decided to try again.This week I went to an information session and a support group session for Dr. Dennis Smith.  Everyone there had only high praise for Dr. Smith.  And the two people I know in the area who have had WLS both had Dr. Smith.  Seems like he has a fabulous reputation.  He operates out of the hospital in Marietta on Church Street, right by I-75..  (Is that WellStar?  Not sure.)

Anyway, to your question....
Dr. Smith's info session mentioned two financing options other than insurance.  I believe they were Care Credit and Capital One.  They have more info at their office.

I hadn't thought about what somebody mentioned here about the doctor's insurance for complications.  Sounds like something we should definitely look into!

I hope this helps...

-- Laura

Hi I am from Carrollton, Ga.  I used Dr Freeman in Anniston, Al, and was very  happy with my surgery.  He is very qualified and has had the surgery himself, as well as Ann that works for him.  So he knows first hand what he is talking about... He is much more affordable than Dr's in the Atlanta area.