Out Of Pocket Expenses

Hi Tracy, We have the same surgeon, and I too have medicare. I live in Missouri, so I don't know if that makes any difference or not. I had my surgery in Oct.26 2004, and I had to be out of pocket the $125 for the dietician and baratric nurse, $200.00 for my Psyc evaluation. Then I had a co-pay to Dr. Argotte of almost $800.00, as well as $880.00 to Lourdes Hospital. I had to pay all this up front before my surgery. Medicare only pays 80%, and you are responsible for the other 20%, that's what these upfront fees are. I received a lot more bills from anesthesea, hospital, and for pre-surgery test preformed in Missouri as well (after surgery) I had to pay $2500.00++++ by the time it was all said and done. I paid a couple hundred $$$$ on this each visit before surgery. I know it sounds like a lot, but it's so worth it. Once you have the surgery, you will receive a statement from medicare, which shows the breakdown of what they actually paid towards your surgery. I was shocked to learn that they only paid Dr. Argotte around $4000.00, and his fee was actually twice that. He accepted it, and didn't try to get more money out of me. He's a very caring and fair man. Good luck to you, and God Bless. Jenni 300/209/145 -91 lbs.

Hello Jenni ,Thanks I just got a statement today that says I will need $100.00 at my initial consult. Thank the Lord that I have an insurance policy that will pick up the 20% that medicare doesn't pay. I have seen my surgeon twice at seminars.and I like him so far.He seems to care a lot. I am getting nervous too, my appointment with him is next week,My PCP got my referral in the mail to him today. Tracy