Discounts for cash/self-pay?

March 4, 2005

Just wondering if anyone knows of any doctors here or in Mexico that will give a discount for paying cash? Any places here in the southeast that perhaps give a discount for cash payments?

Just trying to figure out how close I am to getting surgery. Did our taxes and was very pleasantly surprised, so I am getting excited knowing that I'm getting closer and closer!

If you don't want to post the answers here, you can email me at backbite at gmail dot com.

Thanks!

BigT · March 4, 2005

In my long search I did not come across any discounts for cash, but some docs did offer a self pay discount and/or package. The one I settled for cost me $12,500 for the band and 2 years of aftercare and fills. My Dr. is Dr. Pleatman and he is located in Michigan near Detroit.Some other Dr. have self pay packages that make getting a band in the US very competitive with Mexico when you factor in the fills and aftercare. Of course your location also makes a difference in costs...and your willingness to travel some too.

T

New Hope · March 4, 2005

What area are you looking for a dr.? Several drs. have their own websites with their cash-prices posted. Good luck!

March 4, 2005

I'm in northern Alabama, so within about a day's drive of me would be best. Any ideas?

La_madam · March 4, 2005

Most doctors in Mexico only accept cash or cashiers check..so there is no discount . Some of the Dr.'s in Mexico do run specials on certain months where they charge less

New Hope · March 4, 2005

I'm in Houston and trying to think. I know we have others in your area. They should pop in here pretty soon with some ideas. Just take your time and keep researching. There is so much to learn - before and after getting your band. Best of luck to you!

BigT · March 6, 2005

I'm in northern Alabama, so within about a day's drive of me would be best. Any ideas?

If you are in northern alabama--then my doc in michigan will be within a long day's drive. You can do a mapquest.com driving directions from Detroit to your city and it will give an idea about how far it is and how long it will take.

T

HarleyNana · March 6, 2005

Wow BigT, what a deal, I paid cash, $15,750.00 with 1 year of after care. That seems like a great deal for folks in your area. Thanks for sharing.

Mariposa Bella · March 7, 2005

I paid $6500 in Reynosa Mexico which is right across the border from McAllen, Texas with Dr. Castellanos. The other doctor I was going to use Dr. de la Garza (he was out of town on the dates I could have my surgery so I had to find another doctor) quoted me $7500 and he too was traveling to REynosa for the surgery (my mom lives in McAllen so this is convenient for me), but then I called him and told him I only had $6500 and he said that he could go ahead and do the surgery and that I could owe him the $1000 which he said I had a year to pay back or could refer one person to him and wouldn't owe him anything. I thought that was a good deal. It is definitely less expensive to have your surgery in Mexico than here. But you do have to take into consideration your travel and time. I flew to Mcallen and my ticket was about $250 round trip. I was nervous about getting surgery in Mexico, but my doctor is very qualified and I was pleasantly surprised at the kind of care I received. Good luck.