Calling all Missourians! VSG costs in Columbia vs St. Louis

Dear All, I am scheduled to have Dr. Scott assist 2 other St. Louis surgeons in my VSG, as the other 2 docs have not ever performed a VSG on their own yet. Therefore, Dr. Scott will be the "supervising physician." I am going through the New Start program at St. Alexius Hospital and I am a self-pay. I will be paying $16,500 up here. The problem is that because New Start has never done a VSG, they cannot do my surgery until August 8th. I have to return to teaching on August 12th. I planned to have this scheduled early summer so that I had plenty of healing time. I am upset that they cannot get me in sooner because the OR is booked and they have to coordinate 3 surgeons' schedules. I am willing to get the surgery in Columbia/Bridgeton by Dr. Scott, especially if I can get is sooner but I would love to know what he charges for the same VSG surgery on his own turf.  Let me know Thanks, Anna P.G.

Anna     Sorry I cant tell you what Dr. Scott charges for the VGS. Dr. Scott did do my VGS and I couldnt be more happier that he did it!!! In my book he is the best!!!! Good luck with your surgery and if you ever need to talk to anyone please feel free to drop me an email. I know that there is 1 other doc in Missouri that does the VGS but he is new to the process himself. With Dr. Scott you at least have 2 expericnced surgeons doing your surgery. Good Luck Mel

Anna, I'm also interested in VSG at New Start, but I'm still not sure insurance will cover it.  Anyway, a few weeks ago, I called Dr. De La Torre's office (he works in STL and in Columbia).  He also works with Dr. Scott.   In St. Louis (DePaul)  I was told that most of his surgeries cost between $20,000 - $25,000.  I also called the Columbia office and learned that even though the same Drs. (Scott/De La Torre) work out of both offices you'd have to go to Columbia for everything from the seminar through the follow up visits. I just learned from New Start today that the first 2 VSG patients were scheduled for August 8th.  Best of luck to you.   Ann

Dear Ann, How funny...I am so glad you responded. I am the one with the VSG scheduled for Aug 8th. Richardson, his assisting surgeon and Scott are doing it. My UHC plan with St. Louis Public Schools will not cover it so I am paying $16.500 for the surgery. I have some complaints about my experience with New Start staff but I trust these particular surgeons. I have been working with this program for about a year now and as a teacher I took the summer off to get the surgery done. Well, now the program director, Nurse Chris tells me that they can't schedule my surgery until Aug 8 and I have to report back to work on Aug 12th. So, I am a little frustrated with them. I have done everything in an expeditious manner and they are dragging their feet with no regard for my schedule. It will work out I just get angry when I am dealing with disorganization and inefficiency. Let me know what you decide to do. Thanks, Anna

I don't know how long you've been looking into VSG, but I doubt you'd be able to start with someone else this late and get surgery before August 8th.  I hope it works out for you.  Keep me posted. Good luck! Ann