I do not understand why the hospitals charge so MUCH for lap band?

My doctor because UNICare won't pay will charge 7000.00 for the lap band, however the stupid hospital wants 22,000.00 for one night?????????????????? What's the deal? I'm not having open heart surgery.

Although they will deny it, all are in the game for money. Amazing how you hear stories in other countries where the whole lapband procedure is just $6000 to $10,000! And the $10,000 includes airfare, motel, free fills, etc. We are taught from the beginning that the care in the US is the best, the greatest, cutting edge and then find out that most of what is going on here has already been done in Europe/Mexico for years! As for thinking this is because you want it to be safe for the FDA approval, well the FDA doesn't do the clinical studies, the companies that manufacture the product does and submits the information to the FDA. They look it over and approve/deny it. I think that I could make any idea I have look really good in a 'study' if I put my mind to it, ya think? We are thought of as a rich nation so we are overcharged for most of what we get. I better get off of your soapbox, might crowd ya out! I'd head out to Mexico, they are more experienced doctors, are the very doctors that the manufacturers chose to work with the band, not the american doctors.

Before you jump on the plane for Mexico, you should do two things first. 1) appeal the denial based on the FDA approval of the band in 2001. 2) if you exhaust all appeals from Uni(we don't)care, call the hospital, and negotiate for the MEDICARE RATE. There was an article about negotiating fees with hospitals on www.clarkhoward.com. Fight the good fight! Roberta