Self pay - need advice

After jumping through the insurance hoops, I was told that my surgery would not be covered under my benefits.  It took 8 months for my company to provide a SPD to show the exclusions.  So now I know there is no option for insurance coverage, I am trying to find the best self pay price with the best surgeon.

Today I am calling my surgeon's office to find the cash pay price and what negotiations are available, as I am extremely comfortable with my surgeon and his team and would love to keep him if he's within my price range.  I am open to traveling elsewhere in the US if needed, but Mexico is an option I am not interested in considering, though I have seen others have great success there. 

Are there other self pays out there who loved their doctor, and what range was your total cost?

Any advice and information is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Amy

 
Yes, I am self pay and I adore my surgeon but my surgeon is not the only good and skilled surgeon out there.  It really depends a lot on what surgery you are wanting.

Which WLS are you getting?

Hi Amy

I will be going to San Diego to a bariatric center of excellence with Dr Ellner. Finding a bariatric center of excellence might be something you want to look into. The cash cost there is $23,545. My Dr here in Alaska recommended me to her since i am a cash pay and its cheaper to go there then to have surgery in Alaska. I can give you break down of costs if you want. I know there are places much cheaper to go to - like Minnesota. My pre op costs have been about $8,000.

Valerie

 
A COE does not reflect on the skill of the surgeon.  Some of the biggest bariatric butchers are COEs.  It basically means that they filled out the right papers and paid their fees.

I'm not suggesting Dr. Ellner is not good, I've never heard of this doctor.  I just want to make sure you aren't picking someone based on COE affiliations only.

Also should add thats for RNY-not sure which surgery you are looking into.