I'm a current patient of Dr. Irani and have 2 friends who use him as well. My experience with him (and his staff) are very good - great at communication, clearly explained everything to me, great at the hospital.
So as I see it, in a Doctor, you have 2 primary criteria being considered - skill/execution and cost. On the first, I'd give him an A+:embaressed_smile:. I highly recommend him!
As to the second, I've been through the process with 2 insurance providers (Great West and BlueCross/Blue Shield; chickened out on doing it the first time). In BOTH cases, they informed me that WLS is not an "in-network" charge regardless of the provider and would be subject to the normal "out-of-network" payment constraints.
I was informed Dr. Irani didn't bill my insurance and I already have plans to do so myself this week. His fees were required up-front and according to the written details the first fill is included.
Soooo, for me, the cost is secondary to the care. All the patients I know with bands, including me, are very pleased with Dr. Irani (and his assistant Dr. Patel) from a care stand point. As to cost, well I'll see how it goes, but I planned up front to self pay if I have to and anything the insurance pays will be a bonus to me.
