babyblues1957

Just trying to get some preliminary research done. I'm looking for recommendations for a surgeon in the Philadelphia/Montgomery county area. I will most likely be self pay since my insurance company(Keystone Health Plan East-HMO) does not cover Bariatric surgery. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi all! I am narrowing down my choices for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. I am trying to get info on fees for Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC in Tijuana. The website gives a range and the cost is based on your BMI and other conditions that exist. I am currently at 42 BMI with HBP and reflux. Nothing too major. I have contacted the OCC for more info but being the impatient me, I thought I would put this question out there for everyone here. I have learned a great deal of important info from these forums and thank everyone for their input.

Thank you both for your input. Jamie...I did receive the response from Lori at OCC soon after I posted! The only thing that I'm concerned about is the "additional risk factors" that could increase the price. I was hoping that would have been addressed in their email since I included all of my stats in my initial email to them. It seems to me that you need to put down your deposit before the health survey review is completed which would determine additional risk factors. The price range was $6500 to $9000 on their website. If it's determined that I have additional risk factors that requires an increase in the fee, I might not be able to get the additional funds over the $6500. Puts me between a rock and a hard place!

Hi shorty....... I feel your pain and disappointment. I can't understand why all insurance companies don't cover WLS considering the many lives it saves. I also have been told by my insurance company I do not have coverage for WLS. The epidemic of obesity in our country will never be controlled unless the insurance companies understand the benefit of WLS instead of worrying about their bottom line. One thing that puzzles me is that Medicaid covers WLS.... Too bad I can't benefit from a surgery that I'm helping pay for. Good luck to you in your efforts. Everyone on this site knows that struggle..... Each and every day!

Hi clerkstar.... Let me know what you think about each of those seminars. Sent from my SCH-I535 using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all for your input! I will be attending Einstein's seminar this Weds. afternoon and Penn 's on April 14. Hopefully they can shed more light on the insurance requirements.

Spoke with my insurance company yesterday (Keystone Health Plan East). I was told that I need to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program prior to being precertified, but was unable to tell me how long that would be. A few questions...... Is there a fee for that type of program? I will most likely fall below the 40 BMI if I lose any decent amount of weight (I'm great at losing in the beginning, just can't keep it going!) Will this disqualify me for surgery approval? Will be attending free seminar at Einstein next week. Hopefully favorable answers!