Thu, Nov-17-05, 12:44
|
New Member
Posts: 7
|
|
Plan: GBS patient menus
Stats: 420/389/145
BF:
Progress: 11%
|
|
To me, someone who is 50lbs over weight, plunks down 25K and has this surgery isnt necessarily deserving. This tool was not invented for individuals who fit that category yet the industry continues to thrive on these people because they have the ability to pay cash in many cases. In addition there are people that have a PPO and self refer themselves to a bariatric surgeon, pay the 20% required (like 8K) and bam WLS for the slightly obese.
I dont feel that those types of individuals are "deserving" of the surgery in most cases unless they have a lot of co morbidities. There are so many people that can greatly benefit from this tool yet they are being denied, and exclusions are being placed on health care plans.
I dont blame the individuals per se, I blame the physicians for doing the surgery on people that are not 100-150+ lbs overweight. Hollywood has glorified the procedure and many people do see it as an easy way out. The surgeons take the 25K per pop in a lot of cases and dont look back. They just feed the greed.
I believe that there needs to be regulation placed on the surgery so that those patients that truly are massively morbidly obese have the opportunity to receive this tool. If the industry continues to chase the all mighty dollar (which they will) instead of develop stricter guidelines then people like myself that can and will greatly benefit from this tool will not be able to afford it.
I just got the bill from the hospital. 42,000 total. I paid a $250.00 deductible. If the cost continues to rise employers will have no choice but to continue excluding the procedure. Considering it can be a life saving tool for those that are truly qualified, I hate to see that happen.
|