Question:
If you have insurance approval for one procedure, could you pay the difference?

If you have approval for an OPEN procedure, could you use the insurance for the hospital stay (since this is where most of the cost in accrued) and self pay a different surgeon for the LAP RNY? The surgeon I want to use is not in my Insurance Network.    — Renee C. (posted on February 28, 2000)

February 28, 2000
Most of the time, If the dr. is out of network, the ins co wont even look at the claim much less pay anything. Unless you have an out of network clause where they may pay a certain percentage and you have to pick up the rest. You need to talk to your individual carrier and see what is offered. Good luck to you.
   — Nancy P.

February 28, 2000
HI, I would say if you are in an HMO you MAY be in for a fight. If you have BCBS or something other than a HMO just tell them you have researched the other choice and for these reasons a,b,c, that you feel more confident of YOUR choice and the cost will be lower to! :) Paige
   — Paige W.