do plastic surgeons charge a consultaion fee? a few other questions too

im not at goal yet and i know i need to be at a stable weight for a certain period of time before getting plastic surgery but i am curiouse if they charge you a consultation fee? whats the normal amount? also will they try to help you to get insurance to cover a panni removal or is it up to you to figure out how to get it covered? i had an issue with yeast infections under my tummy right after surgery but after using the dr prescribed cream and losing alot of weight there hasnt been another issue. except in my belly button, i do have to use the cream in there sometimes but the dr gave me sooo much i havent had to go back to see her. so i wonder if a p.s. would figure out how to get me approved for a pani removal?

I visited two plastic surgeons.  One did charge $100 consultation fee, which would be recouped if she did my surgery, she told me flat out she never applies for insurance coverage because it never works, and she only does one procedure at a time, and requires overnight stays for everything.  The surgeon I chose did not charge a consultation fee, applied for insurance for me, got the panni covered, and did my arms at the same time, as an outpatient.    They are all so different, you really have to shop around.  Good luck!

Dear Mom,

The answer is... some do and some don't.

The average fee can range between $50-$200. Most PS who charge a fee usually deduct the amount from the procedure if you are self paying for the operation.

Some PS will help you try to get your procedure covered by insurance, and other's wont. The ones who will help typically bill your insurance for the first consultation instead of charging you for a consultation fee. So if you have a deductible or co-pay, you may end up having to pay for the consultation anyhow.

I would recommend asking around your local area as to who are the best PS, then call their office and ask if they accept insurance for panniculectomy. Sadly, with re-imbursements so low... most PS won't take insurance for those procedures.

Good luck out there!

Sincerely,

Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

I agree ... some do, some don't.  My experience of the three I consulted with:
1)  in Chicago (200+miles from me):  no charge, perhaps he realized IF I were traveling
     that far I must be serious (He IS the doctor I went with for all my procedures)
2) Local:  $125 consultation fee ... is NOT applied to balance if you go with him
3) Local:  $75 consultation fee .. applied to balance if you have surgery with him

Good luck with your weight loss and final journey through plastics.

Barb