Question:
Does anyone know if St. Lukes in Boise, Idaho makes you Pre pay since I am selfpay??

My surgeon uses St. Lukes and I'm not even sure how I'm going to pay for the surgery yet, but I was wondering if anyone knows if you have to prepay the Hospital in order to get your surgery date??    — Maggie M. (posted on April 5, 2004)

April 5, 2004
Hi Maggie, I don't know the specifics about the hospital you are referring to, but I am a self-pay patient, so as it turns out - I know LOTS of self-pay patients! I would be willing to offer my opinion that it *might* be a possibility that this hospital may require at least a deposit in order to allow the surgeon to schedule you for surgery. I've heard of that a few times. Some hospitals are actually even choosing to not allow many self-pay procedures because of the financial liability unless the patient shows up with the full amount in tow. Sucks, huh?! Have you considered out of country options? There's a Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-OutofCountryWLS that may be of help. It's so much more affordable to go out of country! I went to Spain (Dr. Aniceto Baltasar) for my surgery 21 months ago - it was a very positive experience, and I've lost 205 lbs since then! If you want to know more about the Spain option, you can check out www.bodybybaltasar.com Hope that helps a little! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

April 5, 2004
Hi Maggie,<p>I live in Boise and had my surgery at St. Lukes with Dr. Oakley 2-1/2 years ago. Although I had insurance cover my surgery (thank God!), a friend of mine who had surgery at the same time did not. She was told at that time she had to have a deposit, but didn't have to pay the whole thing up front. Dr. Oakley's fee had to be pre-paid before surgery was scheduled and performed. <p>I read your profile and see that you have selected Dr. Oakley. He is an excellent surgeon and a really decent man. <p>However, I would suggest you check out Dina's suggestions as stated in the previous post if you are self-pay. You will save many thousands of dollars and have excellent care at the same time. But if you decide to have your surgery done with Dr. Oakley, be assured you are in excellent hands, and St. Lukes personnel are trained to care for bariatric patients. I had great care at St. Lukes. I wish you the very best in whatever you decide. God bless you.
   — artistmama