Question:
Blue Shield CA, ppo,out of pocket expenses in N.CA

   — ronismomma (posted on June 22, 2008)

June 22, 2008
I live on central coast. CA and just had WLS 5/22. My BC/PPO required I go to Fresno to a COE (Center of Excellence) hospital and surgeon. I had I had a $20 copay for each visit to doc prior to surgery (6, I think) and surgeon required a $400 payment prior to surgery. My portion of hospital bill, including surgery, hospitalization (2 nights) and anasthesiologist is $420. I don't know if anything else is coming, but I don't think so. Blue Cross has been great. They have a program called Anthem Blue Cross where a nurse and a nutritionist who each specialize in weight loss surgery call me regularly giving great advice and answering all questions I have had. They still are checking in with me after the surgery. You have to agree to participate in program. I think it has been great. Quite a bargain to my thinking. Judy Wyckoff
   — jw2crml

June 23, 2008
I have BC/BS PPO and live in the Central CA Valley. I also had my surgery in Fresno (Dr. Felix). As I understand it, the coverage can vary greatly, even though they are within the same company (ie: BC/BS). By the time I paid for all office visit co-pays, my surgeons fee ($950 - not covered at all), and my portion of the surgeons bill and hospital bill, my out of pocket was closer to $3,500. So, not chump change, but well worth it for my results (surgery 9 months ago - down 117 pounds). A small price to pay to get your life back!
   — Deni

June 23, 2008

   — blossman