I called Carillion Memorial Hospital today to check out their program. They charge $25,000 for the surgery and $500-$1,000 for each fill. Does this sound correct? I'm not worried about the actual surgery, as Medicare covers all but $1,400 of it - but I understand that fills are not covered? If I have the surgery in Detroit, as planned, can I get it filled locally? I'm also moving to OR in May - is that going to be a problem?

Thanks for any info!

Marci

If you plan to stay in Oregon, you might be better off to wait the 3 months until you move. I know that seems odd but it's often hard to find surgeons who will take on other's patients.

Having said that, prices vary by what insurance negotiates, and don't always relate to what people pay who are "self pay". However, 1k per fill is exorbitant in my opinion. My doc charges 400 and they ARE covered by my insurance.

That sounds really high for a fill, I am a cash pay patient and they said a fill visit is only $125.00 for each visit.

My doctor charges $100 for a fill. The surgery was $15,000 and it included the first 10 fills, however each appointment counts as a fill even if you decide against a fill...I try to wait until I know that I want one. Good Luck!

I was banded CIBO in Toronto, get me first fill feb 23 3cc(14ccband) its all included forever,nutrionist,pyschotherapist, kinesiolgist consults for 1yr included.

Really, are you sure Medicare does not cover any of the fills? Why insert a band and not provide some fills for a co-pay or reduced cost?

I would call Medicare directly and confirm this to be true. If it is true, I would look some where else for my fills, because 1cc for $500 or $1K is just way too much!

Harper hospital in Detroit has a group of doctors that do lap band and are 10,700 for cash pay. Fills are 150 cash pay after 90 days. Great Lakes Weight Loss. They will go through insurance though also.