Dr. Cirangle and Self-Pay

 Has anyone self-paid for their VSG with Dr. Cirangle?  How much did it cost?  Were you given the freedom to choose which hospital or did he direct you to a specific one?

Hi, I had dr. cirangle and fortunately got insurance to cover it. But i urge you to call his business office at 415 331-8390 and talk to marilyn or miram. they are so nice and can give you the figures. remember that there will be pre op testing that will cost extra and insurance may or may not cover it. I think Dr. C does most of his self pay patients at Cal Pacific but you could chose among the other hospitals he works at. I had mine at Good Samaritan in San Jose and it was a good experience. I ahve also had other surgery at Cal Pacific and they are excellent.  I have to tell you that my surgery and recovery was a breeze. very little pain almost zilch nausea and after getting home and a good nights sleep, i felt quite good. I am 58 and worried the surgery would really exhaust me and be tough but not true. I attribute this in large part to the skill and experience of Dr. C and his  partner. you have chosen an excelelnt surgeon. also an excellent anestheseologist  .  D

I had my surgery with Dr. Cirangle, and I don't think you could make a better choice.  My recovery was amazingly easy.  I paid around 17,000 for the surgery and you can choose between several hospitals that he has privalages in.  Each hospital charges different rates.  He usually uses a hospital in SF for his self-pay patients because they are cheaper.  I had mine done there, and all was fine.

Ditto what Elina said--though I went with the equally marvelous Dr. Jossart. Their prices haven't gone up in 2 1/2 years, so that's good! My insurance paid for the pre-surgery medical tests (EKG, physical, blood work in my case, but that varies) and they have paid for the annual blood tests. I went to the hospital in SF as well and was very happy with the the care there--it's a bariatric Center of Excellence. Best money I ever spent (and my insurance would have covered RnY, DS or lapband--just not the VSG).

Lizanne

I was self pay with Dr. Cirangle on January 14th.  It was about 17k plus testing, etc.  I used the California Pacific Med Center since it was across the street from his office.  I have been very happy with the care.  I stayed the day after until almost midnight because my wife couldn't get me at the earlier release time.  No additional costs.  Care was decent, not extra ordinary but I have had no problems so far being exactly two weeks out. 

 Did you pre-decide to have the VSG before you met with Dr. Cirangle?  Did he try and talk you into RNY or Lap Band?  I have my heart set on VSG and I am hoping he will support my decision.

I actually went in for consultation with the Lap Band and had no idea about the VSG. He said I would do well with either.  He thought I would be happier with the VSG because no follow-ups to tighten the band, no dealing with sweet spot, etc.  He also thought I would lose more weight with the VSG and keep it off long term.  Less complications because I am an over eater and not an emotional eater.  He supported whatever decision I made but overall recommended the VSG.  I think he will support whatever you want to do but will make recommendations based upon his experience with like patients.  He is a great guy, very down to earth.  Definitely there to help.

I paid $17,000 and had my surgery at CPMC in San Francisco. Dr. Cirangle's experience really does make a difference in the recovery. I had surgery on a Thursday and went back to work a half day the following Monday (desk job). No one even suspected I'd had surgery I looked so good.