Has anyone decided to stick with Dr. Sarafian or Beckerman now that they are not taking insurance?

[Anonymous]

I am 17 weeks pregnant and I was planning to stick with Dr. Sarafian because she has been my Dr. for 10 years and delivered my first baby two years ago. I can't get a straight answer out of the billing office about how much it will cost "out-of-network" and I am getting very frustrated.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Beckerman told me that it would cost between $2-3k extra out of network but it was hard for him to be more precise than that because rules vary depending on the insurance but also because cannot completely predict what my medical needs will be.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Sarafian told me it would be around $1000 and now they are telling me it will be closer to $3500...if I don't use Sarafian I will rotate between the other three (Pardoe, Lightfoot and Stany)...had anyone been to see them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Sarafian told me it would be around $1000 and now they are telling me it will be closer to $3500...if I don't use Sarafian I will rotate between the other three (Pardoe, Lightfoot and Stany)...had anyone been to see them?

I met Pardo recently and I really like her. She has such a great vibe and seemed like she would be a very supportive OB. Have not met Stany. Lightfoote is my regular doctor and while I love her as a GYN, I am not quite feeling her as an OB - something about her make me think that she would not be as supportive of my "natural childbirth" preferences.

[Anonymous]

You might want to talk with the billing department there. I was told that the fees for Dr. Sarafian would be about $4700 for the all of the global OB visits (from the beginning to delivery). So if your plan reimburses 50% for out of network - about $2350 or so net. I thought about following her, but I've already had most of my visits with the practice, and I'm due right around the time she changes over. I might have done it differently if I was much earlier along. But so far I also like the other doctors who do still deliver.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much that is really helpful. I really like Dr. Sarafian a lot and I would love to continue with her but it is good to know that if I stay in the practice the other doctors are good also. It would be a big pain to change practices 1/2 way through my pregnacy!

[Anonymous]

I am seeing Pardo and really like her. She's got a great manner (very engaged, great listener, laid back but thorough) and I never, ever feel rushed at our appointments. I haven't started meeting with the other doctors at Foxhall yet but just wanted to say what a great experience I've had with Dr. Pardo.

[Anonymous]

I have Aetna PPO. I calculated my out of pocket costs with Beckerman yesterday, which will be approx. $2500 (60% coverage and $600 deductible). The cost for an in-network delivery is closer to $900, excluding hospital fees. Dr. Beckerman said he would be at deliveries that occured during the day, during the week. I am concerned my baby won't arrive during office hours and I'll end up with someone else after my investment in sticking with him....

I met with Dr. Stany this week. She is young, but I found her to be warm, friendly and knowledgeable. I will likely switch to her or Pardo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have Aetna PPO. I calculated my out of pocket costs with Beckerman yesterday, which will be approx. $2500 (60% coverage and $600 deductible). The cost for an in-network delivery is closer to $900, excluding hospital fees. Dr. Beckerman said he would be at deliveries that occured during the day, during the week. I am concerned my baby won't arrive during office hours and I'll end up with someone else after my investment in sticking with him....

I met with Dr. Stany this week. She is young, but I found her to be warm, friendly and knowledgeable. I will likely switch to her or Pardo.

Just so you know, a switch to Pardo or Stany is also a switch to Lightfoote as any of them could deliver your child. You should try to meet all three of them.