Financing Options
We proudly accept most major insurance PPO plans and are happy to check your insurance benefits to estimate your out-of-pocket cost. Even if you don’t have bariatric benefits, you may still receive partial insurance coverage. We also participate in both Medicare and Medicaid or Medi-Cal.
We are happy to assist our patients with submitting the necessary information directly to their insurance provider.
Insurance coverage After you reach your deductible
If you have insurance coverage, the timing of your surgery can help your medical costs. Once you have reached your health insurance deductible and your out of pocket requirements for the year, your insurance plan will cover a larger percentage of your medical expenses.
Flexible Spending Account
Most employers offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to spend up to $2,500 of your saved earnings on healthcare without paying taxes on that portion. Bariatric or weight loss procedures are eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) or FSA funds.
Self-pay
Patients choose to pay for weight loss surgery themselves if they do not have insurance or if their insurance does not provide bariatric surgery coverage. Our office offers competitively discounted self-pay rates for patients who pay out-of-pocket. Please contact our office for self-pay pricing information. Check with your accountant as some of these costs may be tax deductible. Payment is due in full before surgery is scheduled.
Medical Financing
You may qualify for a medical loan to cover the surgery as well as pre-surgery expenses. Many patients have had success obtaining financing through United Medical Credit, Lending Club Patient Solutions, and CareCredit Financing.
Retirement Fund Distribution
Many retirement plans have an option for a “hardship distribution,” which may allow you to draw out funds without penalty if the funds will cover an immediate and critical need. You may need to demonstrate that the procedure is essential to maintain your employment or is necessary in another way. Such retirement plans include a 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b), and may extend to other retirement investments.
Billing policies
Patients are responsible for paying for all treatment, services, and supplies provided by Dr. Mullangi, P.L.L.C. Payment is due in full within 30 days upon receipt of our statement for services rendered.
We will bill your insurance company, health maintenance organization or managed care company (“your health plan”) for the medical services and supplies we provide to you. However, medical insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance.
Deductibles and co-payments
Deductibles, co-insurances, account balances and co-payments required by your health plan are your responsibility and are due prior to or at the time of service.