Self Payers- any problems later on?

[disney38 0]

This seems dumb, but I am going to ask. I have about given up that insurance will pay, not entirely, but I am close to determining that if I want this done I will have to pay for it myself.

Has anyone who paid for their lap band surgery themselves had any issues down the road with your lap band? If so, I assume that is not covered by insurance as well. Is that correct, or if you have problems later on and require some medical attention, has anyone had their insurance company pay those claims?

Thank You.

[Kat817 19]

Someone the other day said they could not get approved for the band, but insurance paid to have it removed.

I have not had problems with mine, so have no first hand knowledge. My SIL has had her endoscopy run, they thought she may have a slip, she didn't, and insurance paid for it.

I am interested to see what experiences others have had too!!!

Welcome to LBT!

Kat

[Murphles 0]

My only problem is arranging my fills. I have to fly to Mexico. I can get fills here but not as good as there.

[Kat817 19]

My surgeon set me up with a more local Dr. to do my fills prior to the banding, he also spoke with a surgeon (general) in my immediate area, in case of emergency. It made me feel a little more secure! Because flying to Mexico is not easy, and even my fill Dr. is several hours away. I liked that he made sure of this before hand. I do wish sometimes I could go back to him for the fills tho!

Kat

[Anndallei 0]

I'm a little over a year out and have not had any problems with the band. If I should, I hope my insurance will cover anything that might crop up...but I doubt it will. I'm hopeful all will go well and I won't need to find out!

[beachgirl 2]

I'm a little too tight but no problems. I had a wonderful experience in Mexico and wouldn't change anything. I too was self pay and my fills are self pay too. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

[giveyouthemoon 4]

I'm self pay and have an HMO. I would suggest talking to whomever insures your or your primary care doc about all this. I did. My PCP told me that she would order all the tests and do whatever she could to support me in this as in the long run, I am saving those people money!

So I did have a scare about seven months ago where I thought I had a slip. My HMO did the esophagram and gave me the slides to take to my dr. (it was mild pouch dilation)

For me it has been no problem, but that is mainly because my PCP ROOOOOOCKS! The only way to make an HMO work right is a good PCP, in my humble opinion.

My only issue has been that my HMO doesn't do bands so they know NOTHING about them. I've had to educate my caregivers on the band so they can treat me. Just something to keep in mind.

[Wheetsin 714]

I'm interested - those who couldn't get their insurance companies to pay for compliocations, what was their reasoning?