Question:
Please share any knowledge you have of self-pay (cash) rates.
If you have any experience with how much surgery costs for those paying cash, would you please consider answering all the questions below in the order given. THANKS !! If any of you have collected any summary lists of your own on this topic, or have info on multiple centers, then please consider formatting and sharing all your data. 1) Total Overall Cost 2) Is this an actual total cost paid after having had the procedure and had time to see all the bills? (Please list either Actual or Stated) 3) If the answer to #2 is No, then is the total fee listed a flat rate total cap promised up front, or just an estimate which might leave out additional bills? (Please list either Capped or Estimate) 4) Hospital Name 5) City, State 6) Surgeon Name 7) Procedure Type (VBG/RNY/Other, Open/Lap) 8) Length of stay in hospital 9) Any complications? 10) Price covered gall bladder removal? 11) Year performed (or year quote taken) Fee Breakdown 11) Anesthesiogist Fee 12) Surgical Fee 13) Financing Options / Total Required Up Front Other Comments? — ericklein (posted on August 31, 1999)
August 31, 1999
1. My procedure, paid by insurance, cost approxiamately 19,000.00 and this
is a total figure. 2. This represents thetotal cost of the procedure. 4.5.
Robert Wood Johnson-UMDNJ, New Brunswick, NJ 6. Robert Brolin, MD 7.
Open, VBG, RNY, with complications 8. 5 dasy, 4 nights 9. None associated
with this procedure but I had had earlier esophageal surgery that made the
procedure more complex. I did experience some difficulty with the
anesthesia. 10. gall bladder remains with me 11. Included but around
2200.00 12. Included but around 5300.00 13. I was covered by HMO, and I
think the trick there is a strong letter from the surgeon and your primary
care physciain and you yourself. Comments: In 10 months I have lost 112
pounds. I would do anything to have this surgery frankly. It has made the
difference between life and death for me and more critically, my quality of
life has vastly improved.
— Rich M.
August 31, 1999
1) $15,900.00
2) This is the actual billed cost.
3) See answer #2.
4) Mount Carmel (Columbus, OH)
5) Columbus, OH
6) Dr. Ali Makhtari
7) Open VBG
8) 3 days.
9) No complications.
10) Yes, gall bladder removal was included in this price.
11) December 11, 1998
BREAKDOWN
Anesthesiogist Fee $ 1,100.00
Surgical Fee $ 3,800.00
Hospital Fee $11,000.00
Financing Options / Total Required Up Front Other Comments?
No financing, the amounts paid upfront is all that I've had to pay. The
hospital has HCAP (Health Care Assurance Program) they have written off my
bills due to my income, so I have no more to pay.
Upfront:
Surgeon, $3,000.00
Hospital, $1,000.00
— Jennifer Z.
August 31, 1999
My doctor is paid a salary by the hospital and they set the surigical fees.
In keeping a rough running total of what my insurance paid the hospital
(HUP in Philadelphia) I have seen Estimations of Benefits to the tune of
$40,000.00. I had an extra 6 days inpatient, one or two in Intensive care
however, so I think $20,000.00 must be a good ballpark figure. The
interesting thing though is that self pay is generally less. HUP
appparently would have set a lower fee if I had negotiated the operation as
a self pay ahead of time. I heard this from medical staff and other
patients.
— Carol M.
August 31, 1999
My total overall cost was $18,750. That is the amount quoted and paid
before surgery. I did receive two more bills after surgery, I contacted the
surgeons office, they said they would take care of it and they did! My
surgery was done at Dunwoody Medical Center, Atlanta, Ga. The surgeon was
Dr. J. K. Champion, Atlanta, Ga. He performed the RNY laproscopically. I
stayed in the hospital for two days and had absolutely NO complications. I
did not have my gall bladder removed at that time. My surgery was done
05/25/99. One of the hospitals in Georgia that Dr. Champion works out of
does have financing but they charge $3,000 more to allow this option.
Dunwoody Medical Center does not allow financing. All fees were required up
front. The breakdown of the costs are as follows...
Hospital - 12,000
Physician - 4,800
Anesthesia - 1,200
Assistants - 750
I have now lost 62 pounds and feel wonderful! Dr. Champion has a web site,
you can check it out at.... www.drchampion.com He IS the BEST!!! I
recommend him completely!
If you have ever thought of having this surgery...DO IT!
— Jill S.
August 31, 1999
I had my R-N-Y on May 7, 1999. It was performed by Dr. Stan
Hahn, at Orange Baptist Hospital, Orange, Tx. Dr. Hahn has
an arrangement with the hospital for a fixed fee for the
surgery. The costs were as follows:
Dr. Hahn - $6000
Surgical Asst. - $800
Hospital - $8000
Anesthesia - Quoted $640, but actually billed $1400
Gall Bladder Removal - $1900 additional fee to Dr.
Pathologist - $350
PreSurgical Visit with surgeon - $180
PreSurgical Visit with Internest - $180
I had Pre surgical XRays, EKG, and Labs done at the hospital
I work for, and they were covered by my insurance, for the
most part. That part cost another $200 or so out of pocket
that was not covered.
There were complications which required more surgery, and
another week in the hospital. I have since healed fine,
and have currently lost a total of 95 lbs. I feel better
than I have in years, I no longer require ANY medication for
my diabetes, arthritis, and sleep apnea. Though expensive,
it was worth the cost and complications to me.
— Bob M.
August 31, 1999
1. Total Cost - $25 for reading EKG, $864 for Anesthesiologist, 11,677.92
for Hospital, 1,500 for surgeon add these together then after I doubled
checked the bill detail by detaill the hosptial and I found they had over
charged me by $418 so subtract that and you have a total of $13698.92
2. Actual cost
3. - Not applicable
4. Community General Osteopathic Hospital
5. Harrisburg, PA
6. Dr. Luciano DiMarco
7. Laproscopic RNY gastric bypass
8. 3 days (In Friday afternoon at 3 PM, in surgery at 5:30 PM, in Hospital
room at 11:30 PM, out Monday Evening at 7:30 PM
9. No complications
10. No Gall Bladder removal needed in my case
11. May 14, 1999
12. Anesthesiologist - $864, Reading of EKG - $25, Surgeon - $1,500;
Hosptial - 11,677.92 - 418 for over charges
13. Hosptial and Anesthesiologist were willing to work out a payment
schedule. Hosptial asked to be paid off within 6 months; a cash discount
was given for paying off everything within 30 days; Surgeon required total
payment before scheduling surgery
— Jennifer H.
August 31, 1999
I cannot help with this info. My surgery was covered.
— [Anonymous]
August 31, 1999
My open RYN was done at Humber River Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. The
surgery was done by Dr. Ian Sanderson. I was in hospital for 6 days &
experienced no complications. Because I am a resident of Ontario, I am
covered by Ohip, (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), the fee out of pocket for
me was zero. The surgery occurred Aug. 10/99.
— [Anonymous]
August 31, 1999
First of all, I haven't yet had my surgery but I am going to have it later
this year, and am self paying. I am having the LAP RNY. #1: In my
experience, the Lap RNY ranges from 18 thousand to 28 thousand, depending
on the center you go to. The least expensive appears to be Dr. Champion's
group in Atlanta GA, at around 18 thousand. Then Dr. Clark and Dr.
Wittgrove, down in San Diego at the Alvarado center estimate 18 to 22
thousand. My surgery in Seattle will cost around 25 thousand for the lap
RNY, but I opted to pay more so I don't have to travel. As far as the open
RNY, I have heard that one of the most talented and least expensive
surgeons is this site's very own Dr. Goodman. I think people were quoting
him at 13 thousand, I may be wrong. In general, the open RNY seems to cost
between 13 to 20 thousand or so for self pay. (Dr. Fox in Tacoma WA does an
open distal; he's somewhat expensive for an open RNY at 25 thousand plus.)
#2: This is not actual costs, with the exception of Dr. Champion's figure
(I'm guessing at remembering that one) all the other figures were stated,
not actual. #3: An estimate which might leave out additional bills. For
example, of course if there are serious complications the cost of
hospitalization can be quite high. My surgeon warned me about this and
suggested that I should be financially prepared to handle that, should it
be the case.
As for the other questions, they don't apply since I haven't had the
surgery yet. The stated estimates are recent, and every center or Dr. I've
spoken with says that payment must be up front (it was explained to me that
in cases such as this, there is a high risk of the patients having the
surgery and then declaring bankruptcy.) As far as financing goes, I've
heard that there is a loan company that specializes in cosmetic/elective
surgery loans, but I'm not sure of the name.
I'll keep y'all posted with more info as I find out.
— Elizabeth M.
August 31, 1999
Dr. Champion - Atlanta 4-9-99
Laparoscopic RNY
Hospital Bill $15,000
Doctor $4,800
Anesthesia $1500
Hospital - Northside Cherokee - Canton Georgia
Hospital LOS 2 Days
No complications
No Gall Bladder Removal
— Diane N.
August 31, 1999
I know that my doctor, George Cowan, has a staff that can tell more about
this, but they do have a discounted rate for those who have to pay out of
pocket... From what I remember, the amount of surgery is EXTREMELY less
than the original amount. His phone number is (901)488-6635 and
(800)733-0622. His website is at www.obesitywellness.org He is with the
Obesity Wellness Center /University of Tennessee Medical Group (Memphis,
Tennessee)
— Laura T.
August 31, 1999
I am having this surgery September 8, 1999.
The total cost is $12,500. I have been told that is among the lowest in
the country. I am also very confident that the surgeons here in Richmond,
VA (Drs. Hutcher and Harrington) are among the finest anywhere. I have not
verified this, however, I was told Dr. Neil Hutcher has performed more than
2000 of these procedures. I am certain there are alot of good ones out
there, but these doctors work with St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, VA and
have established this reduced price for self-pays. I am under the
impression that it includes all pre-op and 90 days post-op. After that,
the office visits will be billed as they are needed. This does not cover
any complications. It does include Doctor, Hospital, Anesthesiologist,
gall bladder removal, day of surgery and 3 nights in the hospital, pre-op
labs and preparatory classes. It does not include the psychological
evaluation which is required. That is about $125-150, done elsewhere.
I will try and keep you further posted. As I said, my date is September 8.
Best wishes to each of you.
— James B.
August 31, 1999
I am having this surgery September 8, 1999. It will be an open R-N-Y. The
total cost is $12,500. I have been told that is among the lowest in the
country. I am also very confident that the surgeons here in Richmond, VA
(Drs. Hutcher and Harrington) are among the finest anywhere. I have not
verified this, however, I was told Dr. Neil Hutcher has performed more than
2000 of these procedures. I am certain there are alot of good doctors and
hospitals out there, but these doctors work with St. Mary's Hospital in
Richmond, VA and have established this reduced price for self-pays. I am
under the impression that it includes all pre-op and 90 days post-op.
After that, the office visits will be billed as they are needed. This does
not cover any complications. It does include Doctor, Hospital,
Anesthesiologist, gall bladder removal, day of surgery and 3 nights in the
hospital, pre-op labs and preparatory classes. It does not include the
psychological evaluation which is required. That is about $125-150, done
elsewhere.
I will try and keep you further posted. As I said, my date is September 8.
Best wishes to each of you.
— James B.
August 31, 1999
1)Total overall cost-stated-was $20,000. Actual was $16314. 2)Estimate.
3)I was told if there were any complications in surgery or if my hospital
stay was longer, I would be responsible. The anethesiologist's fee is
seperate as well. 4) ST. Mark's Hospital 5-Salt Lake City, UT. 6)Charles
Edwards 7)RNY 8) 5 days 9) No 10)Yes 11) 1998 12) Dr Edwards=$4300,
assistant surgeon=$740, anethesiologist=$648, 13)$4800 certified check or
visa to dr.'s office no later than one day before surgery; $4500 down
payment to ST. Marks-certified check or Visa no later than day before
surgery. You are billed for the rest of the hospital stay following
discharge. I owed an additional $6,326. Dr Edwards fee did however, include
one year of clinic visits and a year anniversary party. Financing is not
available through the clinic or hospital. I have been making payments on
the remainderof the hospial bill for a year and a half. A personal bank
loan is a better way to go in my opinion.
— Lisa S.
August 31, 1999
My surgery was done at the University Hospital in Madison Wisconsin. It
was an open rny done on March 18, 1998. The total over all cost was
17,000. Of that the anesthesiologist got about 1000, the surgeon about
6000, and the rest was to the hospital. I was impatient for five days with
no complications, and also had a small hernia repair at the same time.
— Colleen S.
September 1, 1999
I had an open RNY on November 11, 1998 at Baptist Medical Center. I had to
pay my surgeon $1,048 up front & I am paying out $700 to the hospital.
I also owed $350 to the anesthesiologists after insurance paid. My total
surgery bill was approximately $15,000 & I am paying $2,100 out of
pocket expenses.
— Julie M.
September 1, 1999
If you live in Pa. and you have no Insurance and you are
low income you can pick up a policy for around $60.00 a
month it is called Blue Shield Blue Cross special care It
has a clause that you Dr. has to diagnos you with Morbid
Obesity I had approval in two days. I`m still pre-op but
have a date on sept.20th.1999. Maybe you could try this instead of self
pay.
— sherry F.
September 1, 1999
1 Stated Cost: $20,000
2 No, ctual Cost $20,200
3 Estimate, but very close.
4 Pendelton Methodist Memorial Hospital
5 New Orleans, LA
6 Dr. Raury O'Connell
7 Open RNY
8 In Hospital 4 days
9 no complications
10 No, Already had my gall bladder removed
11 4/27/1999
FEE BREAKDOWN
12 Anesthesiologist: Stated: $1,500 Actual: $1,700
13 Surgical Fee: $3,500 Hospital Fee: $15,000
14 Financing was offered, but paid in full up-front.
had to pay the hospital all $15,000 the morning of surgery
or they would not do the operation.
— pwesterv
September 2, 1999
1) Total Overall Cost= $18,000.00
2) Actual package cost total
3) cap promised up front
4) Hospital Name-San Ramon Regional Medical Center
5) San Ramon, California
6) Dr. Carlos Gracia
7) Procedure Type ( RNY/Lap)
8) four days
9) slight narrowing of opening to bowel, letting heal naturally
10) n/a
11) Year performed - 6/99
Fee Breakdown-N/A, package fee to include all costs
11) n/a
12) n/a
13) Financing Options-? Not sure, I opted to pay upfront, didn't ask about
financing.
Other Comments?"
Post surgical followup with surgeon covered for 60-90 days? Not sure which.
Have had some followup tests done at hospital that we put on my insurance
because they aren't covered by package offering. Insurance is covering
these costs so my outlay is copay only. Insurance wouldnt cover the
surgery though.
— Linda W.
September 2, 1999
1. Total cost roughly $22,000,
2. Actual
3. Capped
4. Alvarado Hospital
5. San Diego, CA
6. Dr. G. Wesley Clark
7. RNY Lap (converted to open, lap fee)
8. 3 days
9. collapsed lung
10. no
11. 1998
12. not sure of breakdown
13. Paid upfront by credit card
14. Note additional $3500 in required pre-op testing; $2000 of which was
endoscopy because of my reflux history
— christie C.
September 3, 1999
My surgery was done in Colorado Springs Colorado. My surgeon was Dr.
Jeffrey Oram-Smith. The doctors cost was 3600.00. The hospital stay was
18,800. I was in the hospital at Penrose Main, in Co Spgs. I had surgery
on 3/22/99 and was released from the hospital on 3/27/99. I had my gall
bladder removed 18 years ago, so that was not part of my cost. I have lost
82 lbs so far, and have had no complications, other than vomiting when I
eat the wrong thing, or too much of the right thing. Hope this helps!
Lori Doty
— Lori D.
September 3, 1999
These are the stated cash rates for Drs Clark and Wittgrove at the Center
for Surgical Weight Control in San Diego California. Lap RNY -
$8,880.00/Open RNY $6,120.00 which covers surgeon's consulation, pre-op
physical, surgeon's fee, assistant surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist's fee,
ultrasound, radiologist's fee and follow-up office visits for life. The
hospital cash fees at Alvarado Hospital are also stated as Lap RNY
$13,200.00/Open RNY $10,880.00 which covers hospital fees, up to 4 days
(day 5 is $1620.00 per day)and re-admission within 30 days that is direct
result from RNY. I believe the total is due up front, but their office
should be contacted to get the straight scoop. Their number is
1-800-342-3944.
— Jilda H.
September 4, 1999
I was a cash pay on 1998.
I had to pay all fees up front.
5000.00 to the surgeon
500.00 to the surgeon's assistant
6000.00 to the hospital
800.00 to the anesthesiologist
I had an open VBG at Park Plaza Hospital in Houston, Texas.
My surgeon was Dr. Beryl Harberg.
My vbg was done on 7-18-98
My insurance payed about 500.00 on misc. labs. I have no idea why they paid
these. That was my total expense and it included 1 years wirth of
follow-up. I was in the hospital from Friday morning at 7am until Monday at
around noon.I had already had my gall bladder out so that was not included
but the surgeon did do a hernia repair included in that same price and
something to prevent acid reflux was also included. There were no financing
options . All had to be paid up-front except for the labs.
— Donna D.
September 5, 1999
1. The total cost was $15,300. That was Doctor and assistant and
anesthesiologist and the hospital stay.
2. The hospital was $10,000 Deposit for 4 day stay. The Surgeon and
Anesthesiologist were $4520.00 and the assistant Surgeon was $780.00.
3. I believe they were capped.
4. St. Marks Hospital
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
6. Dr. Sherman Smith
7. Open RNY gastric bypass
8. I entered the hospital 8/31/99 at 6AM and left 9/3/99
12 noon.
9. No complications except IV fluid retention.. had to use
Lasix, and my IV leaked.
10. I believe it did but not sure .
11. August 31, 1999
12. $680.
13. $$3900 and $780 for assistant surgeon
— RaeLynn Z.
September 6, 1999
This info was given at seminar I resently attended for WLS. This is Dr.
Barzune's in Dallas estimate:
-initial consult 160.00
-body analysis 65.00
-psych profile 120.00
-nutritional bk 5.00
-Roux-en-y bypass 5,240.00
-revision (where applicable) 5,840.00
-gallbladder 2,300.00
-admission fee 140.00
-assistant surgeon fee 25% of surgeon's fee
-hospital stay - 5 days 30,000.00
Total between $35,000-40,000!!!
— [Anonymous]
September 7, 1999
Although I did have insurance and I only had to pay $300.00 out of my
pocket, every time the doctors bill my insurance I also recieved a
statement and to date I have recieved about $38,000.00 worth of statements
and I still get statements after four months. It was alot more expensive
than I ever would have imagined. DR. Harberg of houston was my surgeon.
If you are considering paying out of pocket, I sure hope your pocket is
pretty full!!
Laura
— Laura B.
September 12, 1999
— Sharon E.
September 13, 1999
1) Total Overall Cost
$12,500
2) Is this an actual total cost paid after having had the procedure and had
time to see all the bills? (Please list either Actual or Stated)
Stated
3) If the answer to #2 is No, then is the total fee listed a flat rate
total cap promised up front, or just an estimate which might leave out
additional bills? (Please list either Capped or Estimate)
4) Hospital Name
St. Mary's Hospital
5) City, State
Richmond, VA
6) Surgeon Name
Dr. Neil Hutcher
7) Procedure Type (VBG/RNY/Other, Open/Lap)
Open RNY w/GB
8) Length of stay in hospital
3 days (expected)
9) Any complications?
10) Price covered gall bladder removal?
Yes
11) Year performed (or year quote taken) Fee Breakdown
1999
11) Anesthesiogist Fee
Included
12) Surgical Fee
Included
13) Financing Options / Total Required Up Front Other Comments?
Total up front
Comments - also have budgeted $2,500 for travel and incidentals.
— Jeff T.
September 24, 1999
I have only self-pay info on one MD. Dr. Rabkin in SF (duodenal switch).
Total cost is $28,000 in Ventura, CA or $32,000 at PMC in SF. (Same surgeon
cost; different hospital costs). If I don't get approval, what I plan to do
instead of self-pay, however, is look for additional insurance to buy (one
that doesn't have an obesity exclusion and one that has approved wls for
others on this website). I would only keep it for as long as needed--
maybe 6 mo at most. This would probably only come to @ $2,000 (alot better
than 28 or 32, huh? Also, the financial danger of self-pay is more than
just that money alone. What if there is even a minor complication --- and
you have to come out of pocket for that too? And what if there are no more
pockets to come out of? Yikes!
— [Anonymous]
September 27, 1999
1. The overall cost is aproximately $30,000
2. Doctor visits without insurance are $50-$100, vitamins $50 a month
Blood work can cost $150 every 2 months.
3. Number 1 I beleive is based on the surgery, pretests, medicines, etc.
My insurance laid
out $15,000 for the surgery and pretests.
4. Franklin Square Hospital
5. Baltimore, Maryland
6. Dr. Vanguri
7. Open RNY
8. 4 days
9. NO
10. Did not need one
11. 7/19/99
— Jody S.
October 3, 1999
My surgeon (Dr. Ediger in Boise, Idaho) estimated about $20,000 to $25,000
if there were no complications. He said it might come to as much as $60,000
if there were complications requiring re-surgery.
— Michael Q.
October 7, 1999
This is info on self-pay. I want to state that I had lap RNY, but had
complications as can sometimes occur with abdominal surgeries. As a result
of an obstruction, I had to have a second surgery (open) to correct the
problem, thereby drastically increasing my costs. I don't know for sure,
but I may be the only person in the world to have TWO RNY's, one distal and
one proximal!
1) Total overall cost: Lap RNY $8000, Open procedure for emergency
complications $7500 (they gave me a discount) Total cost with travel
expenses $19,000 (had to have a family member fly down when things got
really bad)
2) The above are actual costs but because I went out of the country the
exchange rate changes things a bit, it was actually a little cheaper for
the hospital than I quoted above, but I dont know exactly what yet. Also,
my initial Lap was a quoted flat rate of $8500 but turned out to be even
cheaper than that!
3) I guess for these purposes, Estimated.
4) Hospital San Jose
5) Monterrey, Mexico
6) Primary surgeon was Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, but I also had Dr. Jorge Balli
and Dr. Pablo Zarrilo, excellent surgeons and my complications had nothing
to do with their skill or performance of my surgery, just something that
happened.
7) Lap RNY first, with an Open RNY secondary to complications.
8) For the Lap, I was in hospital for 5 days. For the Open, I was in for
10 days.
9) Yes, as stated throughout, I had a bowel obstruction with inflammation
and edema which would have killed me if not for the second surgery. This
can be common with abdominal procedures but my surgeons did not expect it
at all given my age, low BMI, and good health. Just one of those things.
10) No, price did not cover gallbladder removal and I did not need that
anyway.
11) Performed in 1999 (September 18 and 29) and Anesthesiologists
costs/fees were included in the overall price. In Mexico, they do things a
bit differently, so that everyone works as a team. In fact the
anesthesiologist followed my case and visited my daily!
12) As quoted above, costs are not separated out, they are all inclusive
and include anesthesiologist, surgical fees, hospital fees, and all pre-op
workup fees.
13) No financing options for US patients at this time. I paid my doctor
some ($3500) the day before, gave the hospital a deposit of $1500 when I
was admitted, and paid the balance when I was discharged.
I hope this helps others.
— Aimee M.
January 23, 2000
Approx. $10,000 for duodenal switch. - this covers everything, except
travel. Pre-op testing, surgeons and anesthiologist fees and hospital
stay.
Dr. Aniceto Baltasar (speaks fluent English)
Sanitorio de San Jorge
Alcoy, Alicante, Spain
price included Bilio-pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, gall
bladder and appendiz removal.
7 day hospital stay (due to distance traveled), no complications.
1999 was the year of the surgery.
— Kris S.
January 31, 2001
I was a cash pay for the WLS I just had my surgey Jan.18,01 Dr. Higa in
Fresno, Ca. did the surgery a great man and the best DR. I think. I had to
pay $18,500 that cover eveything the hospital all the DR and meds. even one
year fellow up with DR Higa. Up to three days in hospital. I had to get a
loan for the surgery and some people have used credit cards to have the
surgery done. I am so happy I got my done I have been praying for 4 years
to have the surgery and I am very happy. I have done great. Good luck to
all that has to pay cash. But do it for you and your health. Barbara Parker
— Barbpark
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