Is it best to get financing first before looking for a doctor?

[kate90 2]

I am lookin into getting a Tummy Tuck which my insurance won't cover. I know I will need around $5000 so is it better to secure a loan before I see a surgeon?

Thank you.

[allycatt98 35]

Kate,

I haven't had surgery yet, so I'm probably speaking out of turn, but what the heck I'll give my opinion. While cost should not be the main priority (cough) it is definitely a consideration when researching a physician. I think if you were going to obtain the funding from a source independent of a physician (i.e. bank, credit union, etc.) that delivers the funds directly to you then it would be wise to secure the funding first. Then you can focus your search to find the best physician within your price range. I would avoid attempting to secure credit with a medical financing company that pays the physician directly (United, CareCredit, etc.) because you have no guarantee that the physician you ultimately select has a relationship with this company.

Side note, I've been dying to pull the trigger to find out how much I can get approved for. The only reason I haven't done it yet is that I don't want the hard inquiry until I'm 100% ready to proceed. One of my credit card companies tends to frown on too many inquiries and/or new accounts and I like to keep them happy.

Hope my rambling made sense.

I am lookin into getting a Tummy Tuck which my insurance won't cover. I know I will need around $5000 so is it better to secure a loan before I see a surgeon?

Thank you.

[kate90 2]

Thank you alleycat98. Feel free to ramble. I am just starting out with my research so every little helps.

[allycatt98 35]

No problem Kate. I was thinking about applying for CareCredit, but I don't think they work with the Drs in MX and DR. So I'm still pacing while I try to pick out a doctor. I'm giving myself six months to reach my goal and pick a doc. Sigh...

Thank you alleycat98. Feel free to ramble. I am just starting out with my research so every little helps.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Have you been to multiple free consults yet? I would do that at a minimum before getting a loan.

[kate90 2]

I get together with a few wieght loss friends once a month or so. One secured a loan from Care Credit and another from United Medical Credit which seemed to have the best terms. Think I'll look for a surgeon then ask United if that doctor is on their list before I apply. Phew!

Thank you all for your help.

[shane916 0]

I get together with a few wieght loss friends once a month or so. One secured a loan from Care Credit and another from United Medical Credit which seemed to have the best terms. Think I'll look for a surgeon then ask United if that doctor is on their list before I apply. Phew!

Thank you all for your help.

Hi Kate, this post really helps out alot! I just started my journey. I don't have the best credit, but fortunatly with my full time job I have a chance. United Medical Credit said them would take a co-signer! So i have been temporary approved. I am currently looking for a Dr. in the Sacramento area. I have a lot of choices and look forward to a better tomorrow!

[kate90 2]

Hi Kate, this post really helps out alot! I just started my journey. I don't have the best credit, but fortunatly with my full time job I have a chance. United Medical Credit said them would take a co-signer! So i have been temporary approved. I am currently looking for a Dr. in the Sacramento area. I have a lot of choices and look forward to a better tomorrow!

I get together with a few wieght loss friends once a month or so. One secured a loan from Care Credit and another from United Medical Credit which seemed to have the best terms. Think I'll look for a surgeon then ask United if that doctor is on their list before I apply. Phew!

Thank you all for your help.

Hi Shane, I'm so glad that my post helped. My credit isn't that great either so it's good to know that United Medical Credit will concider approval with a co signer. Good luck and stay strong.

[livvsmum 2,369]

The way that I went about it was I contacted my insurance company to find out exactly what requirements I needed, I worked with my PCP to meet all of the requirements, all the while researching what surgeon I wanted to do the procedure. Then when I met the requirements and was eligible I met with the surgeon and we submitted to insurance. I got the approval within a couple days and surgery was scheduled about a week and a half later. In my mind, there was really no point in meeting with a surgeon until I knew I had all the requirements met and was good to go.

[harolvilla 0]

allycat98, great to hear that you are setting aside 6 months specifically for this. Sorting out insurance options is very, very important to avoid problems later on with billing and stuff. I had to go through alcohol rehab in Calgary for my alcoholism, and it wasn't covered by insurance the first time. Relapsed, and then went to Canada Drug rehab ( http://canadadrugrehab.ca ), and yeah- I saw to it that it was covered the next time. In the US, I think RealSelf.com reviews cosmetic treatments. Why don’t you take a look there?

Edited July 10, 2015 by harolvilla

[allycatt98 35]

My procedures definitely won't be covered by insurance. However, I'm giving myself additional time to get down to my optimal weight. I've seen some really good results on the big girls (on realself.com), but the best results are on those with a BMI under 25. Well and the extra time to arrange funding helps too!

allycat98, great to hear that you are setting aside 6 months specifically for this. Sorting out insurance options is very, very important to avoid problems later on with billing and stuff. I had to go through alcohol rehab in Calgary for my alcoholism, and it wasn't covered by insurance the first time. Relapsed, and then went to Canada Drug rehab ( http://canadadrugrehab.ca ), and yeah- I saw to it that it was covered the next time. In the US, I think RealSelf.com reviews cosmetic treatments. Why don’t you take a look there?