Question:
I need to hear from people that have had abdominalplastrys. I got a quote

from a plastic surgeon that my out of pocket expense AFTER BCBS paid for the hernia repair and pannectomy would be $8200, which is the difference in what the insurance pays for the pannectomy and the body lift. Please tell me your experiences and what to do!! I'm desparate for advice!!    — Judy W. (posted on May 19, 2003)

May 19, 2003
I would call the insurance company and tell them to break it down on what your doctor is charging and what they are paying. They usually pay for the "usual and customary" charges. So your doctor might be very expensive and you have to pay the difference in what he charges and the insurance pays. This sounds very expensive! FInd out in writing what your doctor is charging and get all the details before you have surgery so no surprises! I think I'd shop around to find out if this is the going price in your area for this procedure.
   — ZZ S.

May 19, 2003
That's about my bill for the same
   — Robert L.

May 20, 2003
This seems quite high to me, but all doctors are different. I had my arms and tummy done for around $12,000 and the insurance covered it all (but then again I am an EPO member).
   — Beffy W.