Question:
Getting reduced cost for RNY surgery.

My insurance company turned down the RNY surgery but I believe I still need to get my gall bladder removed which the insurance should cover. If I ask the surgeon to do the RNY at the same time (self-pay) do you think I could get a discount on the RNY procedure? Has anyone done anything similiar?    — Loretta D. (posted on May 8, 2002)

May 7, 2002
You should get some kind of discount from the hospital. You will already be under the anesthesia, you're already in the OR. Unless you are having the laparoscopic bypass surgery, you probably won't get a discount. However, maybe you have an "understanding" surgeon? Just a thought...
   — elainabolser

May 8, 2002
Hi. I am doing that very thing. My surgeon charges about $3500 to do WLS. It is the hospital fees that usually drive the cost up to or over $20,000. I am having a tubal ligation at the same time. Both surgeries will be done Lap which means less time in hospital providing there are no complications. Most of the hospital fees will then be charge off to the insurance for the tubal ligation. So my costs for the WLS are minimal compared to if I just had WLS without the tubal. My surgeon does give a break to people paying cash. His normal fee is $4000 but if you don't have ins he charges $500 less which he says is about the amount he writes off for being an in network Doctor for those who have insurance to pay. Good Luck to you!!
   — Karen W.