Self-Pay (BMI 30-35)

Adjustable Gastric Band - Low BMI Self Pay Protocol (BMI 30 – 35)

(Excludes bands over Gastric Bypass)

Package Cost - $9,950

Surgeons Fee’s
$300.00 on initial visit to cover consultation fee
$200.00 on initial visit to cover preop diet
$2,000.00 paid in full to surgeon on final pre-op visit

Anesthesiologist Fee’s
$650.00 paid to the Anesthesiologist. This fee needs to be paid in full on the morning of admission during the registration process. Separate money order or certified check. Do not include with hospital check.

Hospital – Palms of Pasadena Hospital
$6,500 paid to Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Cash, money order, certified checks, and credit cards accepted. No personal checks accepted. This fee needs to be paid in full on the morning of admission during the registration process.

Psychological Evaluation
$150.00 paid to program approved psychologist at time of evaluation.

(The above-mentioned fee does not include physician’s services for medical interpretation of tests, physician fees for consultations etc. Example: The hospitals fee includes a CXR, but it does not include the Radiologist interpretation. In that regard, most individuals opt to have these basic pre-op clearance type tests completed through their Primary Care Physician’s office)

Questions and Answers

1. What does the hospital fee include?
   Gastric Banding Surgery and related hospital testing (preop and postop) and care. It does not include doctor’s interpretation fees.
2. Will this fee structure cover me if I need to stay in the hospital?
   This fee structure is designed for an outpatient stay. If there is a medical need for extended hospitalization after the first night and post op day, you will be billed at a rate of 50% of charges. If there is a surgical complication and you have not left the hospital, no additional charges will be billed related to the hospital bill and surgical fee.
3. What happens if I am readmitted?
   If it is a surgical related issue/complication as deemed by the surgeon, it is very unlikely that any insurance coverage will be available however we will request your insurance cards upon admission and bill your plan. If your insurance company denies the stay, the surgeon and hospital will honor the above fee structure during the first 30 post-operative day period (this excludes anesthesia fee). These terms will not be in effect if one is non complaint with postop instructions. One exception will be made to this rule: A port issue will be covered for the first 60 days after a port has been accessed (surgeon and hospital). Also you may experience some additional bills if consultations with specialists are necessary to treat your condition. Within this same time period, if you are readmitted for a medical issue such as dehydration or pneumonia, your insurance company (if applicable) will be billed. If you do not have any insurance or your company denies the hospitalization, you will be billed at a rate of 50% of charges.
4. Does the surgeon’s fee cover any follow-up visits and fills?
   This fee structure covers you for the first 90 days after surgery.
5. Does this fee cover the single incision approach?
   There is an additional fee for the surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist.
6. Is there any financing available?
   Several alternatives might be available:

1. Cash – Options include using a 401(k) fund, savings and stocks.
2. Financing – You may be able to take advantage of a low interest special that is available for a defined period of time through your credit card company.
3. Loans – Options include equity, secured, unsecured and combination loan from a financial institution. Loan approval and eligibility will be based on the credit worthiness of the borrower and will impact interest rates. Multiple borrowers increase the chance of approval. This means that you may consider asking a loved one to cosign or apply for the loan. Some resources that we are aware of include:
         i. www.carecredit.com or 1.866.247.3049
         ii.www.medicalfinancing.com

Contact Us for More Information

For more information, call us at (727) 289-7137 or toll free at 1-866-440-HOPE or email us.