When did you find out about your out of pocket expenses?

[ladyperro2 10]

I'm currently 2weeks away from my scheduled surgery and no one has mentioned my out of pocket cost. I'm aware of my insurance co pay so at what point is the payment due? And to who? What has been your experience?

[jboys83 17]

Do you have a deductable to meet?

[ladyperro2 10]

Yes I do. I meant deductible not co pay. My insurance has a separate bariatric deductible.

[prettyCali916 299]

Different hospitals are different. Some patients have to pay the deductible right before surgery. Others are just billed later after insurance settles. Some practices contact the insurance carrier to find out how much of the deductible has been met and then ask you to pay what's left at the time of surgery. It really depends. You should probably be proactive and ask just so you're not blindsided!

[WalkOnWaking 139]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned it yet.

I was told on my first visit with the surgeon. That way, you are not blindsided as prettyCali916 mentioned.

I had been in touch with my insurance carrier and knew my max out-of-pocket (did not have a separate bariatric deductible). By the time I got to the surgery, I had no payments to make. I had met my max out-of-pocket 2 months prior.

[ladyperro2 10]

Yeah I plan to call tomorrow. The surgery coordinator called me today to schedule my pre op appointment with the hospital and the surgeon and she didn't mention anything about cost. So I wasn't sure if that was standard. I've heard of ppl being billed afterwards.

[ladyperro2 10]

I have a $350 regular deductible and a $5,000 deductible for any bariatric surgery. I plan to get financing if i have to pay the full amount up front and i wasn't sure if I was jumping the gun about the time frame that they inform you about cost.

[lauriev 71]

I had met my deductible, but not my maximum out of pocket. I had not heard anything on mine either until I went to do my pre-surgery sign in. I went and did blood work and all that one day, and went back the next day for paperwork (not sure why they couldn't do it all at one time since the hospital was an hour away from my house but oh well). When I was signing all the paperwork with the lady in the office she told me that my part was something along the lines of 1400.00. She could tell I was a little taken aback and she asked if anyone had told me. I told her no on had mentioned and I really just thought I would get a bill after everything was said and done for the balance. She then offered to take payments because she felt bad, but I went ahead and just put it on my credit card; I figured it will have to be paid one way or another and I can pay off the credit card with income tax refund.

I would ask your surgeon's office to get that information for you. Before I settled on the surgeon I used I talked to another one and that was one of the first things they did was look at where I was on my deductible and max out of pocket and then did a break down of what I would end up paying by the time all was said and done. I thought that was a really nice touch.

[ladyperro2 10]

@lauriev. Thanks for the info! I've heard similar stories. I'm sure it will work itself out.

[lauriev 71]

@lauriev. Thanks for the info! I've heard similar stories. I'm sure it will work itself out.

Hey - you are going to my same doctor....ask Imperatreice (spelling) in the office; she can get you that info. Are you having your surgery at Willowbrook or at the other location?

[ladyperro2 10]

Oh wow! Small world... I'm going to Willowbrook. Where did you go?

[SesaAlegria 12]

My hospital co-pay is a flat rate, I've not been told what I will owe my surgeon yet. The office said they will bill me when I asked them on Monday. My son had outpatient surgery not long ago and it cost an additional $200 for the surgeon. When I had my hysterectomy I think I paid $200, as well. I imagine it will be more for the bariatric surgeon, but then again, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and it won't be too much. I'm hoping at least!

[The Candidate 3,215]

I have no deductible, so mine was a straight co-pay of $250. This included everything including the hospital stay and surgeon's fee. I paid it the day before surgery.

Every plan is different so you will want them to provide you with the bottom line before surgery, in order to avoid any last minute surprises.

Best of luck with your surgery. I definitely have zero regrets!

[Champ715 207]

My surgeon's office has an insurance coordinator who met with me on my very first appointment. She was able to look up my insurance information then tell me what my deductible would be and any out-of-pocket expenses. I knew this information from the very beginning so it baffles me that you are two weeks away and nobody has told you.

[lauriev 71]

Oh wow! Small world... I'm going to Willowbrook. Where did you go?

I went to Willowbrook as well. It was awesome. I had my surgery on a Friday and it was so quiet. I walked all over that floor when they finally let me start moving around....wait till you get in pre-op and they put that blanket on you that blows the warm air - it was awesome!!!, I want one at home!!