Has anyone used Dr. Champion, Canton,GA?

I was wondering if anyone has used Dr. Champion, Canton,GA? I have Highmark BCBS and would really like to find out the up front cost,copay and if you can make payments on any of it? I don't have a lot of money and need any advise I can get! I Love this board all of you that support and advise It's great................. Kathy

Hi Kathy, When I was researching wls back in 03, Dr Champion did not accept any insurance. As to his fees or payments I never pursued using his practice. I have insurance and it was a covered benefit. There are too many surgeons in the Atlanta area doing wls for me to consider using someone who would not file for insurance. Hope this helps! Marie post op 12/02/03 lap rny, Dr Hart 539/382/250

Thank you for your Help Marie, God Bless.... Kathy

Hi Kathy, I am a Dr. C. patient. I have BCBS of Ga. Let me say Dr. C. is the best and his staff is wonderful. He is so experienced, knows exactly what he is doing. I had no pain, no complications, no sorness, no discomfort. I could not even believe I had surgery even weeks out, except I saw the stab wounds. This man really knows his stuff. His aftercare is amazing, personal trainer and everything. He participates in no insurance, so there is some out of pocket. BCBS paid him 80% and 100% of the hospital. I think my out of pocket was about $4100. He has applications in his office for financing, takes charge cards, cash. The office will help you with all your options. I new about this in advance so I was prepared to pay just for the peace of mind alone. (comfort level with my life in his hands) Also, I didn't have to run all over town getting tests done, the staff set up everything for me. You don't have to let them but it was so much easier for me. For your money you get to be his patient for life and never pay him anything again. All office visits for life, if you have to go back in the hospital for wls related issues, he doesn't charge you ever again (strictures or whatever), support group(he participates), online chat (he participates), exercise 2x week with personal trainer, nurse available to answer any aftercare questions, he or associate on call for emergencies, formal ball at holiday time. I think I got a deal actually. I don't know how much your insurance will pay but of course you can call and ask them. If you can at all go with Dr. Champion you will not be disappointed in what you get. I do understand there are some other really good doctors in the atlanta area also, Titus Duncan is one and my insurance would have paid 100% for him. Hope This Helps Meso

Meso thin, Thank you again for your help! I really do appricate it!.... Kathy

I used Dr. Champion and have been very pleased with him and his office. I know he doesn't participate with any insurance plans but I don't have any idea about how much the differential cost would be. My insurance would not pay for surgery so I was self pay. The good part of that was that I was free to use what ever surgeon I wanted to use. After 25 years in the medical profession I was very selective on who I would use for a surgeon. His skills and proficiency ratings were part of the equation. I was also interested in how patients were handled. I didn't want to go to any cattle calls for new patients or be in groups of people for pre-op. I also had recommendations from several different doctors (GI, surgeons, and ICU specialists). They all recommended Dr Champion or Dr Appel as the only two they would use in the Atlanta area. Hope this helps denise

Thank you Denise for you input It does HELP! God Bless........ Kathy