Question:
Anyone in North East PA have a dcotor's name to share and the cost??

I am from north east PA i am just now starting the process of gaining information about the surgery. Does any know the average cost in PA my insurance says they will cover 90% is that good? PLus if anyone has had this sugery in north east pa I woul dlove to here your story.    — hgpolly (posted on May 4, 2007)

May 4, 2007
I had my surgery at Geisinger Medical center in Danville by Dr. Anthony Petrick. I know they billed my insurance for $39,000.00, I have no idea yet how much they actually got out my insurance company.
   — jlw0423

May 4, 2007
I am suprised you do not know Hamot does it. I had mine done in Kane but my husband had it done at Hamot. It cost around $34.000 although his was more he had some complications. He had Dr. Arrreola. I go to Dr. Ali for my check ups. Their office is on the 4th floor of the Hamot Medical Building 104 East 2nd st Erie, just off the Bayfront Hightway. There are support meeting held at the Heat Center just down the steet from the office. Pre Op is the first Wednesday of the month. Lap Band is the second Wesnesday and Post Op is the third Wednesday. All the meeting start at 6:30 p.m. If you have any more questions my email address is [email protected] good luck!!!
   — rollergirl41

May 5, 2007
Hi Heather, and thanks for asking your question. I am not from PA, I live in Nebraska, but I can tell you that you have great insurance if you have 90% coverage. What that actually means is that you are covered of 90% of allowable charges. Let me explain. If your surgery costs $40,000, and your insurance company goes over the bill and decides that it covers $25,000, then that is what they pay. The hospital should be under contract to write off the rest minus the 10% ($2500) that you would owe as a co payment. I have secondary coverage on our BCBS plan so I don't even pay the 10%, but you probably will if you don't have secondary coverage. 90% is the best accepted plans in the country. I am sure there are some 100% plans, but I have never seen one. Finding a surgeon? You can look on this site, and also call your major hospitals and just ask the general surgery department if they do gastric bypass or any weight loss surgery, then contact your insurance company to find out their guidelines and move forward with your research. My coverage does not require a referral, so I would just make my appt with surgery for a consultation and move forward. When I was preparing for my first visit, the wait was 9 months to 1 year, so I had plenty of time to research and wait. Most hospitals of excellence (which the one you choose should be a hospital of excellence rating) have classes that are free to attend and learn about their surgeries, and have support groups that you can visit and talk with those who have gone through it already face to face. I strongly encourage you to research hard and take a hard look at yourself as to what you really want. Many people thing wls is a miracle and are very sorry later. Surgery is only a tool, if you use it, it can be wonderful, if you don't you can not only be sorry you ever had surgery, but ruin your health in the end. It is a serious decision, and I am sure you know that. I wish you well, and hope you find answers to all your questions. Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 6, 2007
Hi Heather, I live in the Philadelphia area. I had both of my surgeries at the Barix center Langhorne Pa. What an awesome place and my doctor is the best. I had lapband surgery in October 2005, lost some in the beginning and then nothing, found myself vomiting alot from the tight band, no meat at all just soft foods and even then they did not stay down. Decided to have to removed and have the RNY done. He did them both together, removed my band and port and proceded with the next surgery all at the same time. Also he did them through the lap scope, so no big incision, just a small one where my port and band came out. it was a big decision for me to make but I am glad I did have the revision. Maybe because I knew what to expect from the first surgery, I dont know, but the RNY was a piece of cake for me. I was not in alot of pain, up on my feet within about 2 hours, came home feeling pretty good. The weight is just melting off, I was a size 24, and I am already in 14-16. You can email me if you are interested in this practice, he is awesome, or just if you have questions. [email protected]. best of luck in your decision to become a "loser" Diane
   — noboat4u

May 6, 2007
I am not sure how far you live from Pittsburgh, however at UPMC in Pittsburgh I had a great surgean named Anita Courclas, she is great..
   — averde

May 7, 2007
Hi, I would suggest you contact Dr. William Peters in Peckville - he's got a great self pay cost if you need to go that route. He performs both RNY and DS, you should call him - he will call you and talk you through it all.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 9, 2007
what about traveling to vineland NJ. i had the gastro bye pass consulation dec5,2006 and the surgery was feb1,2007. just 10 weeks. i can give yyou my dr, in . his name is Dr. Pasupathy 856-691-7588. he has 34 yrs experience. 0 death . and plus the bariatrix hospital, you get a clean private room, with very excelent care
   — yvettetas