question for dr. spivak's self pay patients

mini_me · 02-03-2006, 07:38 AM

:help: does anyone know what types of pre-op testing dr. spivak will want before scheduling the surgery?

i am self-paying the 15K dollar fee, and the lady at the office said that the pre-op testing will likely be covered by my insurance, even though my insurance will not cover the surgery.

i was in the chatroom last night and noticed a recurring theme of excessive bills for pre-op testing :paranoid . i need to lose 80 lbs, and i have no co-morbidities.:nervous

if anyone can offer advice...i would appreciate it!:yawn:

HeatherGurl · 02-03-2006, 11:25 AM

The only pre op testing he requires is an Upper GI and bloodwork. I am pretty sure your insurance will pay for that, because I talked to another lady that was self pay and ins. would pay for the tests but not WLS. Just check with your HR person at work. Or, call your insurance company and tell them you need and upper GI and what will they cover? I had to pay my copay and that is it.

Kathy473 · 02-03-2006, 02:10 PM

Same here...Upper GI and bloodwork...I had my bloodwork done by my PCP in March 05 and Dr. Spivak's office accepted my bloodwork from that date because it was within 6 months. If you have had any bloodwork done recently and no longer than 6 months ago, let them know and they should accept it. If over 6 months...you might have to re-do them.

mini_me · 02-03-2006, 07:25 PM

well, i went today, and he does not need any pre-op tests. he asked several questions, and i told him that i really did not have any problems, i just cant seem to lose the weight. he said well, then ok. go schedule your date and give us a call the monday before your date for further instructions.

wow! it was so easy! i can-not weight, i mean wait.