So I started my journey on Aug18th, 2011 by attending a seminar. I then had my consultation on Aug. 26 with my surgeon Dr. Vafa Shayani out of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital in Bolingbrook, IL. I found out my insurance pays 90% and does not require a 6-month pre-diet or any referral from my PCP. YAY!!! I did all my test on Aug 31st, including Lab Work, EKG, and Upper GI. I faxed in all my medical, physical exams and weigh-in's for the past five years. I had passed my Psych Eval on this past Tuesday Sept 6th and my PCP gave me surgery clearance on Sept 7th. My last stop is Monday Sept 12th, when I visit the nutritionist. Then everything will be submitted to insurance. My surgeons nursing assistant says my insurance usually approves with in a weeks time. So this means I could be having surgery in October. I wasn't expecting it to be this fast. I'm a little nervous. Also, I might not have all the funds available for my 10% out of pocket expenses, which I don't know the exact amount yet. But if I have to wait a little while before I can actually do the surgery until I have all the money, will they make me go through the process of getting approved all over again??? Will they allow me to set my date a little further out? I'm just curious...

Talk to office mgr to see if you set up a payment plan

Congratulations, yes it goes so fast once you make the decision.

I am pretty sure that the hospital will have some financing options for you. Just ask them if they can break the payments up to something manageable to you.

Keep in mind the hospital is more interested in collecting the 90% than the 10% and it is in their best interest to help with the 10% to get the 90%.

You may have more time than you thought. My hospital bills the insurance company first, then bills me the balance, a month or two later. And even then, the hospital I have worked with seems pretty good about helping folks pay them. Once time I called about another matter, and was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a 4 month, same as cash, option for an MRI bill that was fairly breathtaking (even after insurance).

Don't let the little stuff worry you -- AND, the doctor's secretary is always your best friend - he or she knows everything and can often direct you to the best people/person to talk to.....

Use your resources.

Good luck,

Terri

Just go ahead and have the surgery. By the time they bill it will be at least 30 days. Another 30 days before its due. If you don't have it by then, you can make arrangements.

Thanks everyone... I was under the impression everything had to be paid up front. I will definitely look into payment plans, financing, or even just keep saving and pay off the balance when I can. I'm so excited and hoping I can have surgery by next month. I am so pleased I found this website. It has been the best thing ever. U all are the best.

I had to wait for about two months after everything was done to save the money. My surgoen doesn't schedule until you have paid.I was told as long as I paid before the next year started on my deductablez that I would not have to go through the process again. I was banded 8-30.... it was a 6-7 month process for me...good luck

My hospital still hasn't billed me for my 10% and I'm nearly 6 weeks out. Just make sure with the secretary that you don't have to pay your 10% up front. Good luck with everything!