paying for any complications

tbone88
on 6/8/13 8:53 am - MO

to those of you who have had complications no matter how small how did you pay for them? I am pulling all the money I have along with my little bit of 401k money and other savings just to pay for this and the flight. what would happen if a complication happened during surgery or while in the hospital. I know things could possibly go wrong (leaks, infection, anything)? how do you finacially handle it?

christine500
on 6/8/13 2:11 pm

There is a local doctor here who will cover any complications related to the surgery for 6 months, and sleeve related issues for a year.  I am thinking it is worth the extra money to just stay in the U.S. to have this added benefit (he charges $15K versus $8700 for Dr Aceves).  Yes, it is more upfront, but I am thinking that is a drop in the bucket compared to what complications could cost me if I went to Mexico.

Still researching though, but that is my thought right now.

Mary C.
on 6/9/13 1:55 am - Glovertown, Canada

Hi - My husband had VSG with Dr. Joya on May 14 this year. Dr. Joya has a complication fund that one could pay into that would cover any problems while we were in Puerto Vallarta - it cost $500. We did pay into it. Had no complications - but hey - as a nurse - I am well aware of what a few nights in an ICU could cost. The other thing that we were told before we signed consent - was that if for some reason Hubby had to have an open VSG versus laparoscopic - there would be an extra $1500.00 added to our bill. Once we were home here in Canada - no worries - our provincial health care will cover any problems. Good Luck!


        
christine500
on 6/9/13 3:09 am
On June 9, 2013 at 8:55 AM Pacific Time, Mary C. wrote:

Hi - My husband had VSG with Dr. Joya on May 14 this year. Dr. Joya has a complication fund that one could pay into that would cover any problems while we were in Puerto Vallarta - it cost $500. We did pay into it. Had no complications - but hey - as a nurse - I am well aware of what a few nights in an ICU could cost. The other thing that we were told before we signed consent - was that if for some reason Hubby had to have an open VSG versus laparoscopic - there would be an extra $1500.00 added to our bill. Once we were home here in Canada - no worries - our provincial health care will cover any problems. Good Luck!

Unfortunately US citizens do not have that luxury.

Mary C.
on 6/10/13 12:00 am - Glovertown, Canada

I DO realize that. Health Care in the US for MANY, MANY people - SUCKS!  

 


        
troopersma
on 6/9/13 3:57 pm

I am still pre-op but I've been told with Dr. Kelly that the price includes any issues/complications for up to a year.  I am about an hour flight from his office...so I'd still have to pay flight but it'd be cheaper than local medical bills.   I am right there with you as far as the draining of the accounts.  I'd considered RNY but opted for VSG just because I foresee fewer expenses later and less follow up/complications.  Leaks are usually found within 6 months...so if he covers it for a year then I"m good to go.  And that is the most common complication.

christine500
on 6/15/13 1:21 pm
On June 9, 2013 at 10:57 PM Pacific Time, troopersma wrote:

I am still pre-op but I've been told with Dr. Kelly that the price includes any issues/complications for up to a year.  I am about an hour flight from his office...so I'd still have to pay flight but it'd be cheaper than local medical bills.   I am right there with you as far as the draining of the accounts.  I'd considered RNY but opted for VSG just because I foresee fewer expenses later and less follow up/complications.  Leaks are usually found within 6 months...so if he covers it for a year then I"m good to go.  And that is the most common complication.

Unfortunately sometimes you dont have the luxury of flying when you have a leak.  It is an emergency situation that has to be dealt with immediately.

Ndalyrn13
on 6/26/13 7:14 am
I spoke with someone this morning about insurance. It's seperate and is 10% of the surgical cost.
serenity1959
on 6/26/13 12:03 pm
VSG on 08/05/13

You can purchase complication insurance.

biggranny
on 7/20/13 3:20 am

Never heard of that.  where in the world can one get it?

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