About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

Question

I live in new york. The type of medicaid i have does not cover any kind of weight loss surgery. Near new york the total sleeve gastric will cost between $15, 000 to $21, 000. I do have $15, 000 cash in hand, but that's all i have. I am not worried about my living expenses after surgery. What i am worried is there any hidden cost of post-op cost, and is it dangerous if i do not have any money left for complications and hospital stay? Is it a wise decision if i choose the cheapest clinic. Thanks.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello.Thanks for your time and question.If you are going to self pay  the surgery the time between the first appointment and the surgery is between 1 week and 1 month, because some labs, evaluation with other specialist and image studies have to be done. Surgery should be performed as long as all parameters examined are under control and associated diseases are adequately controlled.I would recommend you to visit a certified bariatric surgeon and discuss the best option for you and your needs Blessings 
Dr. Pablo

Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

You should research your surgeon choice carefully.  You only have one life and should not jeopardize it with inexperienced surgeons or by traveling to a foreign county which does not need to maintain the same standards as the US.  Also factor in potential complications, traveling expenses, etc when choosing a surgeon. I f you go to Mexico and have a complication, most surgeons in the USA will not want to help you take care of those issues.  Aftercare is an important part of the success of bariatric surgeon and using a local surgeon will dramatically improve your aftercare and success.  Most surgeons include at least 90 days of postoperative care in the cost.

Wiljon W. Beltre, MD · Answer

Do research on this clinic and make sure they have a lot of experience and a good track record.  The most affordable way to do the gastric sleeve is in an ambulatory surgery center.  I do out patient sleeves in an ambulatory surgery center in the Orlando FL area.  Ideal patients should have a low BMI, no previous history of stomach surgery and relatively healthy.  If you are a candidate for out patient sleeve, look int the BLIS program.  I offer this to all my self pay patients.  The BLIS is extra insurance you can purchase if you are a self pay bariatric patient.  Make sure your clinic offers this.  BLIS insurance covers DVT, leaks and hospitalizations do to increased pain and dehydration.  I hope this information helps.

Guillermo Alvarez, MD · Answer

There are several options for you indeed, one is indeed looking into cheaper clinics or even have it as an outpatient which is not ideal for a sleeve surgery itself. Another option is looking into medical tourism that would make it affordable to you without sacrificing health care (or even getting better). warm regards, Dr. Alvarez

Daniel J. Rosen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I can think of very few services that would turn down cash, check or credit card as payment for their Gastric Sleeve. In the event that your insurance doesn't cover the surgery or you want to get it done quicker than the 3 to 6 months time frame that they require you wait before surgery. In most practices, there is an option for paying out of pocket. Many practices like my own, also offer financing to cover the cost of the Sleeve. Its not cheap, its an investment and in most cases well worth it.

About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

Answers (5)

Answer: Cash pay for your surgery: Don't sacrifice quality nor outcomes

Answer: Cash pay for your surgery: Don't sacrifice quality nor outcomes

Answer: About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

Answer: About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

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About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

Answers (5)

Answer: Cash pay for your surgery: Don't sacrifice quality nor outcomes

Answer: Cash pay for your surgery: Don't sacrifice quality nor outcomes

Answer: About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

Answer: About cash payment for sleeve gastrectomy

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.