Question:
Does anyone know of a Doctor who will take the insurance contract amount or payments?

I live in Northern California. My insurance approved me but the Doctor I was going to required an additional $2,500 aside from the insurance payment. They require this be paid in full prior the surgery date. I live in San Jose and I will need a second job. I am also a single parent who lives check to check because of the cost of living. The doctor I was planning to go to was in southern California. I AM WILLING TO TRAVEL to do this. I am hoping someone will know of a surgeon who can either accept payments or accept the contract price from my insurance company. PLEASE HELP!    — Michele G. (posted on September 22, 2002)

September 22, 2002
If this doctor is contracted with your insurance company, he is not allowed to take over the contracted amount. Is your coverage paying at 100% or is this 2500.00 the remainder of your coverage. If the doc is trying to get you to pay over his contracted amount.....contact the insurance company. IF he is not contraced with the insurance company...he can charge whatever he wants.
   — RebeccaP

September 22, 2002
Hi! I went throught the same thing during the research phase of this journey in August. Then someone from my church told me about Dr. Popoola at Surgilite. They accepted my insurance as payment in full and my insurance only pays 70%. I still have to pay the deductible but luckily it is only $300. When I researched Surgilite I found that Dr. Popoola is one of the pioneers of bariatric surgery and has a phenomenal success rate. I love his office staff, especially Leiu (Lou) who is a major patient advocate. Call her and ask all your questions! She'll give you as much time as you need. Her number is 888-774-0664. Plus I know they go to San Francisco at least once a month for orientations and they may do surgeries up there as well. Here is some encouragement! I went in for my first appointment/orientation on Sept. 12. I had approval on September 19 and did my pre op work up on the 20th for surgery on 10/4! That is so fast but Leiu is great! Plus read, read, read! Ask questions and do your part! Feel free to contact me anytime!
   — Kristi T.