Question:
At the end of my rope with all of these setbacks.

Hi all. I'm usually not one to complain, but I got bad news today and I'm feeling so frustrated I could scream. I'm a self pay, and the doctor I've been working with since May finally got part of the cost estimate together, and today I found out that they're estimating 32 thousand dollars JUST FOR THE HOSPITAL, not including the 2 surgeons fees I'll be paying. Thats for a lap RNY, with no gall bladder removal. I'm 51 BMI, healthy heart, no hypertension, diabetes, etc... in fact no co morbidities except lower back pain. I started working on getting this surgery done over a year ago, and fought the insurance company for five months until I found they definitely would not help me. Then, since I could not find a surgeon in the Seattle area who did the lap RNY I scheduled an appointment at the Alvarado this spring. Then, by a fluke I found out that the University of Washington medical center here in Seattle has just started doing Lap RNY's, and they said that it would cost me 25 to 35 thousand for the procedure if I was a self pay (that was an estimate.) Then when they found out I was in such good health, the surgeon and his staff assured me I would be closer to 25 thousand total than 35, or even less. I then cancelled the Alvarado appointment, and I had a consult at the UW, and had my gall bladder test (no stones) upper GI test (normal) and pulmonary test (normal) and blood work (normal,) and then a second consult (the two consults and the tests have cost me almost $2000.00 out of pocket.) It took me from the end of May until last week to get from when I first contacted the surgeons office at the University to when I had my final consult and had had all my tests. They wouldn't run a cost estimate on me until all this was done. So today I receive a message from the surgeons office that their preliminary estimate, just for hospital fees is over 32 thousand, not including the two surgeons fees which will at least be 5 thousand each. THat's crazy, I don't understand how it can be so much more expensive than any other hospital or program, particularly since I'm in such good health. So now I don't know what to do. There is a doctor near me who has good reviews by many patients, who does open RNY. I would have to travel to have it via LAp elsewhere, and I was hoping not to have to spend a week or two in a hotel recovering in some strange town. Or maybe I should pay 42 thousand dollars to this local surgeon to do the same procedure that I could have elsewhere for 18 to 24 thousand...also, I found out that starting January 1st, I have a new insurance provider who will pay for the surgery IF I have 36 weeks of documented medically supervised diet programs that have failed. I've lost all my excess weight a number of times but none has been under a medically supervised program. I don't want to have to wait 36 more weeks to have this surgery, since I decided to have it over a year ago. Plus, if I went on 36 weeks of supervised weight loss, I would be certain to lose the weight but then it would take another year to gain it all back, which I'm also certain to do. So it would be nearly two years before I could have the surgery and have it paid by my plan. I'm still happy (well, not happy but willing) to pay for this myself, but I've gotten myself into such a tizzy that I don't know where to go. If anyone has any words of advice or support, I certainly would appreciate it now. Thanks for listening to my ranting, Liz    — Elizabeth M. (posted on November 2, 1999)

November 2, 1999
Elizabeth, There are other surgeons who have standard fees for lap roux-en-y. I live in NJ, but am having surgery with Dr. Champion in Atlanta, GA on 11/16/99. His total fee is $18,750. It isn't good to be away from home, but traveling to a good surgeon with a reasonable fee gives you peace of mind. You can email me at [email protected] for any info I can help you with.
   — Sandy 2.

November 2, 1999
Liz, I was gonna say the same thing. Go to Dr. Champion in Atlanta. He is up front about his fees and an excellent LAP surgeon from what I hear. Go to www.drchampion.com He offers cash discounts and even payment plans. I believe 1/2 down and the rest in payments if needed. That is where I am having my LAP RNY.
   — Toni K.

November 2, 1999
Liz I was self pay down at Alvarado on Sept 14, 1999. I am from Portland, Or and we now have a couple of Dr's that do it lap. what I understand is that they charge around 25,000. If you what to check the Dr's out down here let me know. I would love to help you with your out of town stay. Being down in San Diego wasn't all bad and I was sure that I had a good Dr. because of all the laps they did down there. What ever you decide let me know. It is 22,000. for lap at Alvarado. My stay cost another 2,000. that included inviting several friends to take care of me. JoAnn LeDoux
   — JoAnn L.

November 2, 1999
Liz, I just wanted to tell you that I had my surgery 4 hours from home and didn't have to pay any hotel fees. The hospital had rooms for family that they allowed my husband to stay in and after my 5 day hospital stay (I had an uncomplicated open RNY) my surgeon allowed me to go home immediately after being discharged from the hospital. My insurance paid for my surgery which they ended up paying almost 10,000 less than what the hospital and surgeon billed for a total payment of about $22,000. My advice is find a surgeon you can trust and whose rates are reasonable--paying double what most pay is NOT reasonable in my book! Lot's of hospitals and surgeons do have discounted rates for self pay people. I wouldn't worry about having to travel if I were you and I wouldn't worry so much about finding someone to do lap. My Dr. does both lap and open and after lot's of careful research I chose open. Good luck to you...
   — Cheryl W.

November 2, 1999
Dear Liz: I agree with the other postings. Find another surgeon who is more cost effective for you. Take the leftover money and plan a hell of a vacation for yourself after you lose the weight. Good luck to you.
   — Laura L.