I attended a seminar last night that was led by Dr. Schuster. It wasn't very informative and he couldn't give me a real firm cost if I have to pay out of pocket. Has anyone here used this firm and paid out of pocket? My insurance has a weight-loss surgery exemption, so I really need to know what I'm looking at financially.

Thanks in advance.

I attended a seminar last night that was led by Dr. Schuster. It wasn't very informative and he couldn't give me a real firm cost if I have to pay out of pocket. Has anyone here used this firm and paid out of pocket? My insurance has a weight-loss surgery exemption, so I really need to know what I'm looking at financially.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Jdmdiv--I had my surgery in November with the same group of surgeons. I am with Dr. Lusco out of the same office. I was a self-pay patient because, like you, weight loss surgery was specifically excluded from my policy. (Worth every penny, by the way!!). Your best bet is to call Lana or Debbie at the Lap Band office at St Mary's and have them call your insurance company to be absolutely sure that they won't cover you. If that's truly the case, then they have a self-pay program that is all-inclusive that covers your surgeon, the hospital bill, all adjustments for the first year, and participation in the exercise program for six weeks after surgery. The only thing it didn't include for me was about 3 separate bills for minor costs--I can't remember exactly what they were for but they were minor. The total that I had to pay was $17500, but like I said, that includes everything. I believe that someone told me that they also can help you obtain financing if you need it. After the first year, I'm told that they have a very good plan for adjustments also. I haven't gotten there yet--I'm only about 6 months out from surgery, but it's the best thing I have ever done for myself. It has literally changed my life. Good luck to you and let me know if you have any other questions!!

Hi

I'm also have Dr Lusco. Im not a self pay, but I agree with bandchick call Lana or Debbie at the bariatric center. They have always been very helpful when I've called them.

Hey--

Had my band this Tuesday 7/08/08 with Dr. Schuster...I agree to call Lana or Debbie..they are great---the number is 361-6059 to the Bariatrics at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth. I actually work at that hospital as a nurse and I have had a great experience thus far....Dr schuster has been really good with me.

I've been TRYING to go through that office and am very frustrated! I was told, at first, that my insurance had an exemption and didn't cover it (anthem blue cross). I got a copy of the benefits handbook and took it in the office and showed them and they checked again and it IS covered (with restrictions). They then told me to schedule an appointment (I've been trying for several days to get someone) and received something in the mail from "lap-band system reimbursement solutions" that says the doctors are "out of network" (Terri said they are in-network) and that we have to pay out of network rates if I'm approved.

I'm frustrated. I wondered if I should speak with someone other than Terri or go somewhere else? I don't want my insurance info messed up!

~~anne

Hi,

I dont' know the doctor you reference in your email, but if you're looking for self pay lap band in the Louisville area, there is a place that does it all for $12,500. That includes the doctor, hospital, anesthesiologist, the nutritional eval, and even the first year of fills. I called 1-888-744-4898 (RightWeigh) and they turned me on to this.

I've heard many people say talk about the out-of-network problems at that unit. And I've heard about having to do everything up front at Norton's--like the diet eval, the psych eval, the pulmonology consult and other clearances. I've worked in other areas and that seems like a waste to me. I found a place that doesn't charge any program fee, doesn't require all that upfront stuff, and the doctor and hospital are in-network with most insurance. You can reach them at 1-888-744-4898. The doctor is a Center of Excellence surgeon and has been doing bands a long time.

I had my lapband done in December by Dr. Olsofka, who is in the same group with Schuster and Lusco. I also have Anthem BC/BS. Anthem covered my surgery for the most part. I wound up having to pay St. Mary's $1200, which I am paying off $200/month. I did meet all the criteria for the surgery - 100 lbs overweight, Ty 2 diabetes, high blood pressure. My BC/BS is with the federal govt because I'm retired Civil Service. I don't know if all Anthem BC/BS is the same or not. Good luck. Debbie and Lana were very helpful with me.

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they covered everything but Dr visit co-pays. I highly recommend Dr Lusco! I had my surgery May 28, 2008. Dr Lusco, Lana and Debbie with the Bariatric team are wonderful!!!

Dr. Schuster is my surgeon also. I'm scheduled for Dec. 22.

I was told it's around $17k without insurance or out of network.

I have insurance and was approved - however my policy only provides a $5000 max. I'll have to put $2000 down for my deductible and then I'm going to make payments on the rest. Hopefully the insurance write off is huge.