Couple of questions?

meee wrote:

Hi I was just wondering if private health insurance will cover removal of the band and then to get sleeved? I am in Geelong and my insurance is with Bupa. Can anyone tell me what I'm up for? I haven't been to my GP yet as I don't want to go to far with making arrangements if I can't afford it. Also, what's the shortest possible hospital stay? I was banded by George Kirrof but I believe he has moved on so any surgeon suggestions would be great too! I am so over the band and the side effects of it and the fact I don't lose any weight

Hi meee, there is a girl on here called Nessa who is also from Geelong and I think she was pretty happy with her Surgeon. You can find Nessa by using the Search box at the top of the page...she does have a diary so you could contact her that way or you could email her, which I have done and she is really good about responding.
I am also with BUPA and although I am having a Bypass and removal of my second Band, like you, I am changing Surgeons, so my estimated 'out of pocket' will be around $6500-$7000. The 'Sleeve' with Band removal with this Surgeon is about $1000 cheaper.
You might also find that there may be a Surgeon in Geelong who has taken over your 'Band Surgeon's' patients and who will only charge Medicare + health Insurance Gap fees. When calculating you 'out of pocket' costs remember to speak to the Anaesthetist because they almost always charge over the Scheduled fee and BUPA is not very generous with its rebates for Anaesthetists, so their 'Gap' can be quite a lot.
Don't forget that you can apply for 'Early Release of your Superannuation' if you have any, to help pay for this surgery. I hope this helps.
Best Wishes
one_elle26

Hi mee - you probably won't be able to figure your out of pockets until you have met with a surgeon. They will then give you the item numbers and your PHI will then let you know whether you are covered. I was fortunate, my surgeon no gapped me on the band removal and only $3000 for the sleeve. He did my second band as a no gap and my gall bladder removal on no gap as well, so he has been very good to me.

Hi Meee, it might be best giving Bupa a call and as it will also depend on what level of cover you have. You will probably be covered for the hospital side of things but may find you will need to pay the surgeon's fees (less any rebates from Medicare/Bupa) as you won't be using the same guy who did your band.

I'm also with Bupa and was covered, but my case was different as I was using the same surgeon and when my band slipped and I subsequent went on to get sleeve, he didn't charge any extra, but no gap'd the fees.

All the best in your search for a new surgeon and hopefully you'll find one who will maybe do a package deal for band removal/sleeve so the expenses are not too high.

Cheers
Gail

Hi I was just wondering if private health insurance will cover removal of the band and then to get sleeved? I am in Geelong and my insurance is with Bupa. Can anyone tell me what I'm up for? I haven't been to my GP yet as I don't want to go to far with making arrangements if I can't afford it. Also, what's the shortest possible hospital stay? I was banded by George Kirrof but I believe he has moved on so any surgeon suggestions would be great too! I am so over the band and the side effects of it and the fact I don't lose any weight