Question:
Any info on self-pay in california? Payment plans or cash rate? Please

help, if you can. I will self-pay if it is reasonable or I can get some financing or something. Any one out there have tips or information for me?    — Aimee M. (posted on June 15, 1999)

June 16, 1999
If you're self paying because you have no insurance which will cover you,then talk with the doctors involved and explain your situation, offer them what you feel is do-able for you to pay them a down payment and a monthly payment, and see what they say. If they won't accept that or counter offer, discuss what the actual fees for everyone involved, the hospital stay, the doctors, the surgeon, the operating room, etc. will be, and then go for the loan. There are a LOT of little $200-$500 bills that crop upafter you've been in the hospital, make sure you're planning on everyone who will be sending a bill out.
   — Sherrie G.

June 16, 1999
Hi Aimee, We're practically neighbors (I live in Rialto). I had a lap RNY 5-3-99 and was cash pay. In healthcare there is no such thing as a "payment plan" for this procedure. I was told this because if they offered a payment plan, people could file bankruptcy after the procedure is performed. I paid cash upfront and it was supposedly a cash discount rate (would love to see what insurance companies are billed at). My procedure was close to $23,000 and this did not include pre-op blood work nor the psych eval. Hope this helps....any questions email me.
   — Linda O.

June 16, 1999
Hi Aimee: I'm going into the hospital for my VBG on 6/28. My doctor is taking cash $6,000. The hospital will be another $6,000. And the Anesthesiologist will be $800. All paid up front. The surgery will take place in Park Plaza Hospital in Houston at the Medical Center. My Doctor's name is Beryl Harberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. His number is 800-669-4746. This is his practice--obesity surgery. Alyce Klingler [email protected]
   — Alyce K.

June 16, 1999
I had the surgery in Ventura, and did self-pay. If you tell them upfront, it's my understanding that you should receive a cash discount (I got about 20%). Just ask!
   — Elizabeth W.

June 20, 1999
I had to self pay. I live in Texas and it cost me a total of 12,300.00. That included hospital and surgeon, anesthesiology. Everything. I got a loan from the bank. There is a medical financing company called JayHawk that might be able to help you also.
   — Donna D.