Scheduling Surgery at The End of a Calendar Year
As we approach the end of the calendar year, scheduling your surgery becomes even more important. For one, our 2021 schedule here at VIPSurg is almost full – a few spots remain for patients who have decided to have bariatric surgery or any other non-emergency procedure such as a hernia repair, gallbladder procedure or anti-reflux surgery.
Why does the end of the year matter?
End of year surgery is important from an insurance perspective. Remember that your insurance policy limits are based on a calendar year – they roll over on January 1. For example, if you have utilized your insurance policy quite a bit in 2021, you may only have small out-of-pocket expense left. If that’s the case, having surgery before the end of the year may be far more beneficial, from a financial standpoint, than waiting until the beginning of next.
Of course, having bariatric surgery or any other surgery should not be decided based on cost alone. However, finances are always a factor and if you’re having surgery anyway, taking advantage of your insurance policy is just a smart financial move.
How do I find out how much I will pay?
First, it is important to speak to your insurance company and discuss particulars about your policy with them directly. Let them know what procedure you are intending to have, and they can give you an idea of what out of out-of-pocket costs to expect. We’d also like to talk to you to ensure your expectations line up with our understanding of your policy. Depending on the amount of insurance coverage and your usage so far, this cost may vary.
Do I have time to schedule surgery?
With just a few months left in the year, the time to schedule bariatric surgery is now. If you were intending on using insurance, and your insurance policy requires a medical weight loss program, you may not have the opportunity to have surgery in 2021. However, some or all your pre-op needs may be covered. If your insurance policy does not require medical weight loss, this is a great time to reserve a spot before the end of the year. For other non-emergency procedures such as hernia, gallbladder, and reflux, which do not require as much preoperative work up as bariatrics, now is a great time to have your consultation with Dr. Tsuda and schedule your surgery with the office.
Cash Pay
Cash pay patients can schedule their surgery in as little as two weeks. Remember, we have one of the best cash pay gastric sleeve prices in the country. Learn more about cash pay gastric sleeve here.
How should I make my decision?
It’s important that you are fully aware of the benefits and consequences of your decision to have surgery. This is achieved through research, a consultation with Dr. Tsuda and speaking to family, friends, and your support team. Most importantly, having surgery is a personal decision that you must be prepared for. If you are looking to have bariatric surgery, it is important to understand that your life will change dramatically in the new year, and you will commit to a new lifestyle in the form of better diet and exercise. For other surgical procedures, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of your procedure and if you have any questions or concerns at all you should speak to our office or Dr. Tsuda.
We look forward to helping you either at the end of this year or in the new year with any of your surgical needs. Most importantly, we want you to feel comfortable so please contact our office, Brian Grace, or Dr. Tsuda to understand more about the procedure and see if you’re ready to get started.
