Why Such A Price Difference Across The Country?

[banditchic 83]

I must admit that I am shocked at the broad spectrum of cost of this surgery. I just assumed that this surgery cost the same throughout the country until I joined this forum. Thanks for opening my eyes. I started this process in August, and am currently waiting on insurance approval. If I don't get approval, and have to end up being self pay, I will have to reconsider where to go. I'm in KS, and am going with the wls center. They charge $17,900 which includes everything for a year (including fills). But I think I'm getting ripped off after reading everyone else's price. Of all states, KS is the most expensive??? We should be the cheapest! WTHeck? I am really surprised to see that Denver is under $10,000? WOW! I guess I could make that 7 hr drive to save that much $. I know that Mexico is even cheaper than that, but I'm just not real comfortable with that even though I've read tons of success stories on here about Mexico. Just frustrated.....why does my place charge so much....uggghhhhhh.

[Toddy 758]

My doctor charges $16,000 if you have insurance coverage. For self-pay they have reduced the cost to $12,000.

If you do decide to travel for your surgery, make sure you've got someone lined up for your aftercare and fills and lock down what that will cost if you didn't have surgery with them.

I have heard of some clinics that have a large up front "program fee" to do your fills if they didn't do your surgery.

[banditchic 83]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your help so much.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Most surgeons don't charge the same for insurance versus cash patients. They try to give a rather hefty discount to cash patients. I'd definitely ask your surgeon specifically what his cash price is.

[Mayasgram 351]

Biggest question, who is going to do your after fills and how much..... Even moving from where my Dr. is and trying to find someone to do fills was a problem .

[dhg 4]

My local wlc wants to charge 25k so I am going to Mexicali Mexico and pay 6500.00. I live in PA. What a rip off.

[KassieRose 60]

Where are you at in Kansas? I had my surgery done by dr opie at Olathe medical center in Olathe ks and my insurance paid for it but if I recall, the price there was much lower. Might be worth a shot giving them a call to ask, it's Midwest Surgical Associates. Good luck!

[banditchic 83]

KassieRose, I was planning on having the surgery in Overland Park. Thanks for the info on Olathe. I appreciate it.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

I think some of the variation is whether or not the surgery is outpatient or inpatient. I was outpatient, and for self pay it was 9500, but... I pay for each OV and fill as well. For some unknown reason however, and I am not complaining, the insurance pays all but copay on fills and OVs. Go figure. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples!

Bee Well!

[thin2bme 2]

Dr. Stanley Hoehn from Kansas City Bariatric Center will do a self pay Lapband for $11,999.