Discount Surgery?

Rob54 wrote:

I found on the forum an ad for a discount on surgery $3500 with the offer ending 31st June 2015 and a condition of being fully insured.  The link took me to Dr Clement Tsang. Do surgeons often do this to drum up business?  It makes me wonder how good a doctor is if they have to advertise a special on surgery but he does operate at St Vincent's as well as Campbelltown hospitals, the latter of which I would not dream of going to after hearing bad reports. 

 Has anyone used this surgeon if so what did you think of him?  I did see a much older post but there was no really constructive comments.

Hi Rob54, I came across this same ad.  I went to my doc the other to talk to her about WLS and she has recommended Craig Taylor at the O Clinic and to AVOID Dr Tsang... I've been going to my doc for years and trust her with my life... The O Clinic do have a fixed fee which I don't see anything wrong with because not every can afford the full cost or has full PHI.

I forgot to say Rob54, just write whatever you need to say in your diary.  I have done it so that I can look back later and see how I have done. 
If you are ever up here visiting your daughter, drop me a line and we can meet up for a coffee, would love to chat face to face with someone who's had the sleeve.  :)

Hi Rob54, yeah, when I was looking, $5000 out of pocket after PHI seemed to be the average. 
You should be able to see a psychologist and an exercise physiologist on an extended health care plan, will only cost a couple of dollars gap. 
I have found it good to cross my T's and dot my I's by seeing them.  Exercise after is important if you are able to, so I have read.  My exercise physiologist wants me to ride or swim, not walk because of my hip pain.  But hoping it will lessen when I start losing weight.
I think we have very similar health issues too.  Be good to see how we travel post surgery.
The only issue I have with using a surgeon 2.5 hours away, is that if I have any leak etc problems, it is a bit of a travel back to him. 
We are taking our caravan down to the GC so hubby has somewhere to stay while I am in, and I am thinking about staying a couple of extra days in the van so that I am close to my surgeon.  He said that most leaks happen in the first week, and that other surgeons don't like sorting it out if you didn't go to them for the surgery!

I agree Shrinking Violet, the 'salesman' tactics seem a bit crass.  Competition may be good, so long as the care stays quality. 

I liked that my doctor only charged $100 for the initial consult, I got about $75 back from Medicare.
I think others have paid a fair bit more.  But then, if you get a great surgeon, I guess money becomes a secondary issue.  I just hope that other doctors can come to the party and charge less fees to help people.  Hubby's niece paid $18.000 (no PHI) about 5 or 6 years ago for lap band, which had to be replaced, as she nearly died when it slipped, then her dumb GP tried to top it up and poked holes in it, wrecking it.  The poor kid would love to have the sleeve done now as she needs repair surgery from birthing complications and they won't operate until she loses about 30 kilos.  Hope she can use my surgeon down the track.

I'm really conflicted about Doctors advertising for patients using "salesman" tactics. It seems very tacky and smacks of unprofessionalism. On the other hand, they sure could use a bit of competition to bring their prices down...they sure do know how to charge through the nose and make massive profits, for, truth be told, conveyer belt surgery.

Thanks Bee, 

As I think you will see I have my surgeon I was just curious about this  ad I had seen pop up.  I do sometimes wonder if I should have gone to see another surgeon but needing a referral and paying a consultation fee each time also makes it difficult.  Thanks again.

Hi Suze,

My daughter lives on the Sunshine Coast at Mountain Creek.  She teaches IT and web design at the TAFE there.  We were thinking of moving there at one time but I think we will be better off staying in Sydney where I have all my regular specialists.

Yes I do have my surgeon and date booked 25th June 2015.  He was recommended to me by family that have gone before me and my GP also.  You are lucky you will have no out of pocket fees, I will be about $5000 out of pocket and  everyone I have spoken to Have said the same.  The dietician is extra but I have not been advised to see a psychologist or an exercise psychologist although I probably should.  I've also had my share of dealing with a variety of surgeons after many years of knee and back problems.  I have been reading your diary and find your health problems and mine are very alike.  I don't know where to start with my diary, I think it will be too boring to put up here.  

I just thought I would ask about this ad I had seen.  It just popped up on this forum when I was browsing, I guess some surgeons may need to advertise when they are not as popular.

Rob54 wrote:

I found on the forum an ad for a discount on surgery $3500 with the offer ending 31st June 2015 and a condition of being fully insured.  The link took me to Dr Clement Tsang. Do surgeons often do this to drum up business?  It makes me wonder how good a doctor is if they have to advertise a special on surgery but he does operate at St Vincent's as well as Campbelltown hospitals, the latter of which I would not dream of going to after hearing bad reports. 

 Has anyone used this surgeon if so what did you think of him?  I did see a much older post but there was no really constructive comments.

I'm doing my surgery with Dr Taylor on Tuesday coming. He has a fantastic reputation and is very lovely. This is on the O'Clinic website:

Hi Rob54,
I'm in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast so I don't know the doctors or place you mentioned.
But it seems weird for a  doctor to advertise discounts.
The surgeon I am using in August is on the Gold Coast and I have chosen him for 2 main reasons, that he has a good reputation with quite a people here and on Facebook, and that he does not charge any out of pocket fees.
Having said that, I am sorting out my own dietician, psychologist and exercise physiologist, which is usually part of the fee paid to surgeons for their programs, so I understand.  I have been seeing head specialists for about 25 years, so it's not daunting to me.  :)
Have you chosen your surgeon yet?
Susan.

I found on the forum an ad for a discount on surgery $3500 with the offer ending 31st June 2015 and a condition of being fully insured.  The link took me to Dr Clement Tsang. Do surgeons often do this to drum up business?  It makes me wonder how good a doctor is if they have to advertise a special on surgery but he does operate at St Vincent's as well as Campbelltown hospitals, the latter of which I would not dream of going to after hearing bad reports. 

 Has anyone used this surgeon if so what did you think of him?  I did see a much older post but there was no really constructive comments.