Orange Coast Memorial????

I was just wondering if anyone had wls there and how much the whole thing cost?  Have insurance, but will have to pay a percentage.  I just want a an idea.   I called the lady at hospital and she said she would call me, but it would take a few days??  And is Fountain Valley Hospital cheaper I wonder??

Thanks in advance for any info anyone can share with me.

I think the amount the hospital charges really depends on the agreement they have with your insurance company, so I'm not sure if anyone else's experience will help you.  I had surgery there in July, but I had complications and wound up staying for five days instead of the usual two, with most of that time in the ICU.  The hospital bill was a over $80,000; my insurance paid about $23,000; and the hospital accepted that as payment in full--I didn't have to pay any part of it.

Excellent hospital, by the way--they took really good care of me.  I've heard some complaints about Fountain Valley, but I've never been there myself.

One more thing . . .  the hospital billing department and/or your insurance company should be able to tell you about how much you will have to pay.

Hi there,

Julia and I were surgery sisters.  we had our surgery the same place/same day/ same Dr.  I was lucky enough not to have any complications while I was there and was able to leave 2 days later.  I received my statement and it was 43,000. My share was only $250 co pay. 

Julia was right, just check with the hospital.

Good luck to you.

Linda

I am now more confused.  I am in open enrollment right now at work.  We have a choice of 2 HMO's and a PPO.  The  doctor's office told me the PPO was the fastest and easiest, but it looks like the most expensive for me.  I keep gettting conflicting info and open enrollment end at the end of the month.  I am thinking I should just take the HMO and take my chances....now.  I have no idea what to do???? 

Hi
I have to ditto what Julia and Linda said - I had my surgery there in August 2007 and I thought the hospital and staff (all but one night nurse) were great.  I have an HMO (although it is a Medicare plan - SCAN) my total bill was 53,000 and all I paid was the $200 copay.  I am a fan of HMO's although you have to understand how to work with the system.  Which HMO options do you have?  You need to check out the options you have and see what their requirements are for WLS and also what their criteria is for approval.  You should be able to call the plans to get the info.  I also had a surgeon with the same group as Julia and Linda and I think the group is great....It is Dr. LePorts group in Fountain Valley.  I know others that went to FV hosp and had a great experience there as well.  Just do your research and ask questions here as well.

Best of luck to you - hang in there.

I am going to call the other 2 health plans, the hospital and the doctors office today.  One of them is Cigna HMO. Was there anyone in LaPorts office who was the Insurance specialist?  I am really confused by all of this.  Oh one other question.....

If a doctor is a contracted provider for a PPO plan, and they have a set price the Ins will pay them for the surgery.  Do they charge the patient that price or do they go over the contracted price??

Before surgery, I spoke to Miriam at Lite Dimensions about all insurance questions.  She was very helpful!

I have Blue Cross/Anthem PPO, and although I didn't have to pay a dime to the hospital, I did have to pay about $2300 to the surgical group.

Whenever you generalize, there are always exceptions, but in general, I think the patient pays less $ with an HMO than with a PPO, but the HMO may cost you more in terms of time and hassles jumping through their hoops.

Your employer's benefits coordinator should be able to answer some of your questions about the differences between the plans.

Thanks to you all for all the info you have shared with me.  I am going to be on the phone all day today!!!

My advice is to be very careful that you select the right insurance.  I had about 4 options at open enrollment, only one covered weight-loss surgery.  Taking your chances with just any policy could mean delaying surgery for one more year until open enrollment comes around again.

Call the insurance company for each of the policies offered and ask if bariatirc surgery is covered under the policy offered by your employer.  If the person on the phone doesn't know, ask to be transfered to someone who does.

The majority of the cost for a surgery usualy goes to the hospital.  It is a separate amount from the surgeon's fee, and there is also a separate fee for the anesthiolost. (This is only a concern if you are paying cash though)  The surgeon's office can give you more info on these numbers.

Also ask about what you will be required to pay with each policy. Take notes, and if you don't understand don't be afraid to ask them to slow down and explain. IT'S THEIR JOB!!!

Good luck, go get em'!!!

 

PS: I had surgery with Dr. LePort's group and stated at Orange Coast, great hospital.