Self Pay But Now So Confused

[AngelEyesInNJ 186]

My insurance does not cover any WLS so i came to terms with that lol. I had gone ahead reached out to Dr.Garcia's office in Mexico I am set to go on Nov 7th. Today I received a call from the one surgeons office that quoted me $23,000 and they mentioned that at one of their other locations the cost would be $11500.

That threw a wrench in my plan because for starters I am still scrapping up the money for Mexico, but this one is about $5800 more then me going to Mexico the only thing is I may be able to get on a payment plan here.

What to do, what to do? I am not sure if I should stick to my original plan or if I should go and speak with the surgeon to find out about the financing for the $11500.

I know this is my choice but just asking for some input as I am just confused. Thanks

[joyful noise 101]

Since you are self-pay, check on the hospital costs. My surgeon charges 5,500 for the surgery, but the hospital charges 14,000. I am glad I have ins, but my co-pay is going to be high. I sold my car to get the rest of the money I needed. it is the tiniest bit inconvenient, but not bad being a one-car household.

[prettysleeved1 173]

I think you should make sure that you can get a payment plan (if you need one) before you cancel the one you already have scheduled.

[Randgalt 43]

Good point above - make sure you get a quote for the entire procedure at the bottom line. I was self pay and it cost $13,600 including hospital, etc.

[AngelEyesInNJ 186]

Thank you all! I really appreciate the input

[tigerbelle 328]

Good point above - make sure you get a quote for the entire procedure at the bottom line. I was self pay and it cost $13,600 including hospital, etc.

This post made me curious...I am going to be self-pay as well...I had read somewhere the cost for VSG was between $15,000 and $20,000....if others don't mind saying, what was the total cost of the procedure--surgeon, facility, etc.?

[Lissa 2,631]

I paid $12,500 in Sebastian, FL, including doctor, hospital, anesthesiologist, and one year of covered follow-up care. I adore my doctor!!!

[Skyjack1 105]

I see more problems and complications from doctors here in the states than the docs in Mexico.... Just sayin

[Escape_Pod 358]

I was self-pay, and I decided I wasn't willing to consider a surgeon that didn't offer BLIS insurance (for post-op complications). I didn't want to budget for surgery and then end up with a much larger medical bill due to unanticipated health problems afterwards. It was also worth it to me to have the surgery here at home, with a surgeon I'd be able to follow-up with regularly. But I realize I was fortunate to be able to afford that option.

[AngelEyesInNJ 186]

Thank you all I have decided to stick with my original plan and go to Mexico.

I purchased my plane tickets yesterday and I am turning this into a surg-a-cation.. so I am in CA for 4 days prior to surgery so now I am looking for things to do in LA and San Diego lol

[tigerbelle 328]

I was self-pay, and I decided I wasn't willing to consider a surgeon that didn't offer BLIS insurance (for post-op complications). I didn't want to budget for surgery and then end up with a much larger medical bill due to unanticipated health problems afterwards. It was also worth it to me to have the surgery here at home, with a surgeon I'd be able to follow-up with regularly. But I realize I was fortunate to be able to afford that option.

If you don't mind my asking, how much did the BLIS insurance cost? Also, do you mind saying how much the surgery itself cost self-pay?

[FatGirlSlim 115]

I was self pay through Dr. Garcia and I paid 5700 and that was the surgery, hospital stay, hotel, and airfare for two people. I would suggest that you make sure about the hospital and all the other doctors fees ....are they included in that fee that you were quoted?

I went to Mexico and look at me now!!! Just had to throw that in there

Its your decision...so think wisely about what is best for you!!!! Good luck

[vsginnj 415]

I see more problems and complications from doctors here in the states than the docs in Mexico.... Just sayin

That's cause "what goes wrong in Mexico stays in Mexico" sorry had to swing at that

[Escape_Pod 358]

If you don't mind my asking, how much did the BLIS insurance cost? Also, do you mind saying how much the surgery itself cost self-pay?

With my surgeon, the BLIS insurance was included in his rate (BLIS only insures certain surgeons). My total cost was approximately $20K - covered the surgeon's (and his assistant's) fee, hospital fees, the anesthesiologist, and of course the insurance. I consulted briefly with another surgeon, and their office quoted me approx. $3300 for the BLIS insurance portion, which covered embolism, infection, leak, bleeding, perforation and such for 90 days, and stricture for up to 18 months.

In my experience, self-pay rates vary enormously from one city to another, and even within cities due to the difference in hospital fees. A year ago the local sleeve "outpatient" facility (operates in their own facilities, not a hospital, no overnight stay) was closer to $15K, but that didn't offer the insurance. Other areas of the US have rates even lower. I'm a professional worry-wart, so I was determined to have the insurance. I'm certain if you contacted BLIS they could advise you in finding a covered surgeon wherever. They also offer surgical financing if that's something you're interested in (I didn't go that route, so I have no idea what their rates look like...)

If you want to stay local, attend the local hospital bariatric surgical seminars. I found the surgeons to be completely open about their rates for self-pay patients - they see quite a few of us. And it's kind of nice to go hear them speak in person and get a sense of what they're like - ideally you'll be meeting them for follow-up appointments for years.

Of course, price is hardly the most important factor in choosing a surgeon, but it does help to know whether you can afford it. :-)

[onceagain2 20]

Good luck AngelEyesInNJ! You will do great in Mexico..........there are great doctors and hospitals down there. .....too