Paying for Surgery

Many insurance plans do not cover weight loss surgery, even if it is medically necessary, due to "contract exclusions". If your plan denies coverage for weight loss surgery you can appeal this decision. We can help you with the appeal or we can refer you to a company that will pursue your appeal for you. You may also consider switching insurance plans to one who pays for medically indicated weight loss surgery.

Unfortunately, the only option for some patients is to pay for weight loss surgery from their own funds. We encourage patients without coverage for weight loss surgery to start with a free informational seminar, followed by a consultation, any needed medical work-up, and laparoscopic weight loss surgery. The cost of the individual weight loss procedures is listed below along with information about what services are included and what medical services may be covered by your insurance plan.   

For patients without primary health insurance coverage for weight loss surgery, we provide BLIScare insurance to cover the cost of possible complications. If your primary insurance company doesn't cover the cost of your weight loss surgery, they also won't cover the cost of any complications that occur. If you have surgery with a practice that doesn't provide BLIS coverage, you are at risk for the cost of any complications. BLIScare insurance is available only through a few select practices with a record of providing surgery with a low risk of complications. Click here for more information about why you should have surgery with a BLIS surgeon.

What is included in the fees?
The listed fees include the services of your surgeon, the first assistant, the anesthesiologist, the hospital charges for surgery and an uncomplicated recovery, the standard 90 days of post-op visits, and the cost of BLIScare insurance. 

Can any of the medical work-up be covered by my insurance?
Much of the pre-operative medical work-up may be covered if indicated for other reasons. For example, a work-up for sleep apnea may be indicated whether or not you are planning surgery. If that's the case, your insurance may cover the cost of a sleep study  

How is BLIScare different from other guarantees?
Some practices guarantee to take care of complications in their own surgery center at no additional cost to you. But they don't protect you if you need to go to the ER, be admitted to a hospital or treated by another specialist. BLIScare covers the costs of almost all possible complications, not just simple ones that can be managed in an out patient setting by the surgeon alone.
 
Are my expenses tax-deductible?
Most medical expenses associated with weight loss surgery and flow-up care are considered tax-deductible.




Serving the Greater Seattle area including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, and Renton. We currently see patients in Bellevue, Issaquah and Bellingham. Appointments available soon in Kirkland. 

• $12,000: for low risk patients (BMI<45, few medical issues) who plan to have follow-up elsewhere
• $14,500: for low risk patients (BMI<45, few medical issues) who plan to have ILS follow-up, includes one year of follow-up visits
• $21,500: for medium risk patients (BMI>45, stable medical issues) , includes one year of follow-up
• $22,500: for higher risk patients (BMI>45, complicated medical conditions) who require overnight monitoring in the hospital, includes one year of follow-up
• above prices include BLIScare insurance for cardiac and pulmonary complications. Additional insurance for slips, erosions, and port complications is available

• We see patients who have had LAGB elsewhere, including international patients. Call (425) 453-7888 for details. 

• $25,500: includes up to 2 day stay in the hospital, 90 days of follow-up care
• includes BLIScare insurance for most complications

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass:

• $27,800: includes up to 2 day stay in the hospital, 90 days of follow-up care
• includes BLIScare insurance for most complications

Fees as of 05/30/2010, subject to change. Prices wil be honored for 90 days after any change if a printed copy of this page with a date prior to the change is presented at the time of initial consultation appointment