Question:
Can anybody offer any feedback on self-pay?

I am interested in Lap-Band surgery. I have a private insurance policy that lists any obesity assitance (including surgery) as an exclusion. I am looking to hear feedback from individuals that have had to opt for self-pay. Cost? Discount offered? Payment plans offered? Trouble finding surgeon to accept self-pay? Any input?    — Margaret H. (posted on July 27, 2004)

July 27, 2004
You are in charge. No waiting. Usually much easier. Lots of the goofy requirements are the insurance companies, not the docs! You go to the head of the line. Insurance companies only pay a part of what the Dr. charges. You will have no problem finding a surgeon who will take self-pay. The docs are happy to get a full price patient. I would look for a surgeon who will give you a firm price.
   — PattyL

July 27, 2004
My insurance co paid for my surgery, but find out what happens if you should have complications. Will your insurance step in then? Complications can be very costly. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.

July 28, 2004
My insurance also has an exclusion for ANYTHING weight loss related. So, I was self-pay also. I opted for a surgeon in Mexico - Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada. Trust me, I had never before ever, ever thought of leaving the country, especially Mexico, for anything related to my health. However, I did an extensive amount of research on this surgeon and eventually found myself confident in his abilities. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I had such a good experience and have had absolutely no complications. Going out of the country is certainly not for everyone but if it's an option for you, research it and find a surgeon that's good. There are a lot of them. My doctor only does Open RNY but there are lots of Lap-band surgeons in Mexico and other countries as well. Dr. Aguirre has a forum on this website if you are interested in checking it out. Total cost, including hospital, doctor, the whole this is $8500. My experience was such a good one that I went back to Mexico (Rosarito Beach - Dr. Gongora) for plastic surgery. If you have questions, email me at: [email protected]
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 28, 2004
Additional information - my insurance company has paid for all follow-up visits with my PCP, lab work, etc. They even paid for my stitches and drains to be removed, both from WLS and plastics. I think doctors know how to code things so that the insurance companies will pay. I made sure I had a PCP prior to WLS who would be my follow-up physician. Back in April, my PCP told me that out of all the WLS patients he has, I am doing the best out of all of them and that my scar looks amazing compared to many that he's seen AND, I'm the only one of his patients who has gone out of the country for the surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 29, 2004
I self paid for my lap-rny in Richmond, Virginia last December. The hosptial had a flat rate for the surgery, which had to be pre-paid when you pre-registered (2 weeks before surgery) the cost was $17,500. The flat rate was discounted in that my final bill was $39,600, yet it was all paid in full by my pre-payment. So I guess that was a $22,000 discount. As for payment plans, the hosptial won't take payments on an elective surgery, they required it to be paid in full before surgery. You could take out a personal loan, or if you own a house, take out an equity line. If you have decent credit, it's not too hard to get a loan, it's comperable to a car loan. I figured I would rather have a new me than a new car!!
   — Patricia T.