Ok, so I am supposed to have my surgery next Wednesday, November 7th. This has been a long process from the start because the hospital doing my procedure just started doing lap bands, and they didn't really have their shit together to begin with (pardon my language). I went to my seminar at the beginning of August, and they just finally finalized the surgeon fees 2 days ago, and finalized the hospital fees last week. They also made a mistake on when I wanted my surgery, when I told them from the beginning that I wanted it the week of the 5th because that's the only time I have off work. (Did I mention I have also worked at this hospital for almost 10 years and have never seen such disorganization on their part?) Long story short, it was conveyed to me by the bariatric center that since I am self pay, I would have to put a down payment down, and would be able to pay the rest off with a payment plan. I went to see the surgeon yesterday, and they were going to make me pay their fees upfront. I was like "Whoa-that's not what has been told to me for the last few months, and I never gave the bariatric center the impression I would be able to pay you upfront. It was my impression that they had spoken with you specifically about me and it was agreed upon between the surgeons and the bariatric center that I would be able to do a payment plan." So, the financial services rep went and talked to someone, and came back, and said that was fine, since I had already gone this far and seen the doctor, that they would let me pay the remainder off over a 12 month period. I signed a contract stating as such. So, this morning, I went and had all my preop tests-chest xray, upper GI series, pulmonary testing, EKG, labs, and a meeting with the dietician. So I'm psyched, right? Then I leave the hospital, and my cell phone rings. It is the financial services girl from the surgeons office telling me that she talked my surgery over with the doctor, and that they are not going to let me do the payment plan, but are instead requiring that I pay upfront. Granted, they did offer to give a discount, but I still do not have that money lying around, and made it clear from the start that I did not. So I am extremely frustrated right now. Now I feel like I can't necessarily even trust the surgeon doing my surgery or the bariatric center. My grandma offered to loan me the required money, but I am having such mixed feelings about what transpired that I don't even know what to do.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but does anyone have an opinion on this?? Thanks! :help:

I am so sorry this is happening to you.

In my experiences with money crap and doctors the doctor/office usually has nothing to do with the money... especially in larger hospitals/organizations. If you are uncomfortable with the surgeon then I would defiently reconsider, however if is just the financial part then I would go for it..... You could also go "higher up" and see if that gets you anywhere.

Best of luck!

Most surgeons I've checked on require you to pay up front. At one time I thought I would end up being self pay before insurance agreed. All I checked with wanted all money up front, hospital, surgeons and everyone else.

And I would have been fine with paying upfront, if that's what had been presented to me to begin with. I'm not fine with all the miscommunications.

Walk in to the financial offices with your signed contract in hand. Offer them a copy of it, along with your first monthly payment. If that fails, speak to an attorney, and let them pay for it all themselves, for breaking the contract. Their inexperience in the situation will work in your favor I would think. I would not step down, if they signed a contract with me, I would do everything in my power, and beyond to make them honor it. There are often trouble shooters at local TV stations, who make noise making things right for people. Your contract is your golden ticket to making them re think things. In my albeit inexperienced, opinion.

I agree most surgeons do require it to be paid up front, but if they made other arrangements with you, and went so far as to sign a contract, then it seems with you they will have to make an exception to their new rules.

I will be interested to see how you get this done---I believe you will!! Good Luck!

Kat

<p>Why are you going to someplace that is just starting to do the band? I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. Especially if you are self-pay...you can choose where you go...unless you are in a town that has no options....</p>

Kacee,

Both the hospitals in my area are equally new at doing the lapband. I am an ICU nurse and I have full trust( as far as skills go) in the group of surgeons that are doing the surgery. The next closest places would be

2 1/2 and 3 hours away, respectively. I really didn't want to have to drive that far for fills, etc. As a nurse, I also decided that I wanted local surgeons in case of a complication, because most surgeons don't want to touch someone elses complication for fear of liability, and I did not want to have to drive that far if I had a complication and did not feel well. The other local hospital, as I already mentioned, also just started their program, and they are more expensive. I am getting some benefits out of being an employee of the hospital where I am having it done. They have given me discounts on alot of things, like the anesthesia fees. The surgeon has even agreed now that she will give me a $2000 discount if I pay upfront. It would cost me approximately $5000 more to have it at the other area hospital that has equal experience.

By the way Kacee, this is kind of off subject, but thanks for the link to the Isopure drinks. I love them!