Question:
Anyone ask DR ALLEN in KY about self pay, or know what your ins. paid?

Ok this is about Dr Allen in Louisville, KY. I would like to know if anyone has talked to his office about self pay up front fees, and things like how much the hosp. he uses costs, and if they will bill you. Insurance is not an option for me. Bank loans are not either. I can get about 2000 dollars for any up front fees, so if you know any docs anywhere in the states who will bill as well as his/her hosp. let me know. i am willing to go anywhere. Thanks. Beth    — Bethany M. (posted on March 15, 2002)

March 29, 2002
I asked Dr. Allen the following questions and here is his response: 1. Is there a package price for the gastric bypass yet? If not, how much is the cost of the procedure? Norton is the only hospital that has given us a package price for the gastric bypass, however it fluctuates. Anna Gaines is the contact number at Norton. 6298000 is the switchboard. I think the total costs in the past have been on the order of $19,000. 2. Do you have informational sessions? Is there a way to meet you without the cost of an office visit? We have informational sessions. I think the next one is at the end of April. Sharon at 629-CAST will know the time and location, however, you still must see me in the office twice prior to having surgery. 3. Of the 3 hospitals mentioned in the packet, can the patient choose the hospital? For example, if I wanted to have surgery at Jewish Hospital instead of Norton's what would I need to do? How would that affect the cost of the surgery? You can choose but it would increase the price, I would imagine. 4. Do any of the hospitals accept a payment plan? If I paid the surgeon and other fees up front, could I make monthly payments to the hospital? Have you worked with other patients to do this? No, unfortunately the hospital wants the entire amount before they will schedule surgery 5. Is the cost of the surgery fixed? If there are complications that require a second operation or extra days in the hospital does the upfront price cover those situations? Complications are not covered by the initial fee. Extra days are also extra, unfortunately. I hope this helps Dr Allen
   — Tonya S.