Question:
Im in Michigan what are the various prices for WLS?

Im going to be a self pay, im in Michigan looking for something local. I'm not wanting to go to Mexico. Ive heard some places in Michigan are 10,000 some are 30,000. Where? and why is there such a price difference? I will go out of state if there is that much of a difference.    — stepmcallen (posted on September 16, 2005)

September 16, 2005
When you are quoted a price, you need to know what is included and what is excluded. Some will quote you only the surgeon's fee and not the hospital, anethesia, pathology, etc. Other's are giving you a realistic price range. If you are fully self paying, you may be able to negotiate a discount.
   — Irene S.

September 17, 2005
I'm in Southwest Michigan. I had lap RNY done at Spectrum Health - Blodgett. The hospital bill was approximately $16,000 (for one day (overnight) ), The surgeon billed $7,000, so around $23,000. (That does NOT include the anesthesiologist. I don't remember exactly what that bill was, but it seems to me it was $800-$1000.) BC/BS only "allows" $5,500 for the surgeon, so my co-pay was based on that. Maybe they (WWW.MMPC.Com) would be willing to accept the lower figure for a self-pay as well. Good Luck!
   — Chip Locke

September 17, 2005
I'm in southwest Ohio and it cost me about $25k for an open BPD/DS. This covered 6 days hospital, surgeon, & anthesia. Insurance covered most of pre-surgery testing (I paid less than $50) and I had $700 bill for hospitalist that surgeon wanted me to have because of complications (asthma) from surgery. The hospital has since increased fees so it would be more like $30k now. I've heard through this sight that Alabama is the cheapest place in US to get this done. I know many people are happy with out of US care, but frankly the idea scared me. I feel very lucky that there is an extremely comptent practice in my area and I didn't have to travel for care and follow-up. As far as cost, think about it as a very nice new Toyota Camary for yourself only it won't wear out in 7 years. Since I don't own a home to take a 2nd mortgage on which is probably the cheapest way to finance, I used a combination of my savings and finance companies.
   — Jenny X.

September 17, 2005
I live in SW Ohio too, and the surgery center I'm using charges I believe about 20-25k depending on the procedure. (DS and LapRY are more expensive) -- but he hospital has a 'package plan' that covers all pre-op and post-op care if you are self-pay. I'm working with an insurance carrier, but I remember them mentioning this during a seminar I attended.
   — Valerie G.

September 17, 2005
I am self pay in south Texas and my bill is suppose to be $19,700 and that includes hospital etc.
   — cschubert