Dr. Aceves - how do we pay if complications during surgery?

[Tracy46545 6]

My surgery date is Dec 14th. I understand there is triple the risk for complications during a revision surgery.

I'm taking a certified check for the cost of the surgery. Gaby told me it would be an extra $500 if there was erosion that needed to be fixed.

Should I carry an extra $500 in cash? (If I put that on a credit card there's a 3% charge from the hospital plus 16.9% interest) They will not take a personal check.

Have any of you had this problem?

Tracy

[Malaika 50]

I would email NINA and ask her - Gaby is the NUT - I've never heard of Dr. Aceves charging extra for any complications - he repaired my hernia for no extra cost, as he did others, and he removed moles or something from Susan and didn't charge her - he's also removed gallbladders and appendixes if they were bad during surgery. I'd double check with Nina and if there is a fee, I would think they would take a check - they take a check for the deposit - so they may make exceptions as you are right, you can't (and SHOULDN'T) carry an xtra $500 on you.

Let us know what Nina has to say. Her email address is:

nina@bandgastricbypass.com

[carolyn24seven 11]

If you do have to take extra money, get travelers checks. THomas Cook issues them in $100.00 increments. If you do not have to use them you can deposit them back into your saving/checking account when you return.(I got them in $1,000.00 increments also). My bank issues Thomas Cook travelers checks for free. I know American Express charges a fee but I do not know how much. Do not get the $20.00 size, it takes forever to sign and you are more likely to spend a $20 one than break a $100 one. If they are lost or stolen they are replaced. Keep the numbers separate, write them down and leave them at home. I made a photo copy of my travelers checks and left them in my bill payer file. I re-deposited all but one of the $100's when I got back. That one travelers check is in a very back part of my wallet for "just in case". It is good forever and it is insured. Better than cash for me. I won't break it for a $10.00 item. No way.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Tracy46545 6]

Very VERY good and sound advice Carolyn.. I hadn't even thought of Traveler's Checks.

Thanks!

Tracy

[annak4 1]

Could you take a 2nd certified check? If you don't use it you should be able to put it back in your account. I'd compare the fees for that and the fees for traveler's checks.

[Tracy46545 6]

I was mistaken about the extra cost if there is erosion...that was only if the band was being removed as an exclusive surgery...not if done with the sleeve added.

Tracy