LINX procedure cost + location

Hi all,

I'm finally setting things in motion to get the linx procedure done. Sadly enough I have to pay out of pocket. I live in Thailand (can't be done here to my knowledge) and have to find a clinic abroad. It would really help me and probably others if there would be a list with the difference in prices of this procedure around the world.

I would ask people who had this procedure done to post where they did it, how much it cost and if they were happy with the service.

Thanks in advance

PS if I missed a thread that already handles this topic then would you please point me in that direction, i haven't found it yet.

Hi Pat,

Tnx for your input and best wishes back. I have done the search you suggested and was able to weed out some prices and other information. However, I think that a thread that purely concentrates on prices would be the easiest solution for people who are looking for a affordable clinic.

For this, my request still stands and I hope people start posting prices and locations in this thread.

Here is listing of U. S. Linx physicians. They also have European listing too.

http://toraxmedical.com/linx/implantingCenters.php

Thanks for the info

Like you suggested, i have been to the torax site and called a couple of clinics but couldn't get any info about prices over the phone. Now, I'm waiting for my medical records so I can mail them to some clinics.

I've seen a thread were the poster spoke about 9000 British pounds for the procedure So I'm sending my documents to some British clinics. I'll also send them to clinics in Germany, Italy and maybe France.

The USA is probably more expensive than the European options so I won't inform there.

With so many positive reports about the LINX procedure, I'm shocked that there aren't more clinics offering the it. Especially A country like Thaialnd, where so many people from around the world go for medical procedures because of their skill and more affordable prizes. I will send the Torax people an email and ask if there are any option becoming available in this region in the near future.

My budget for this is 10.000 Euro so I hope I can find a physician for that amount.

My linx surgery cost $23,000 which included a large hiatal hernia repair. Surgeon - $5700, hospital - $16000, anesthesia -$1300. I had it done in Albany, GA and was very satisfied.

Yes it was Dr. Smith. He was in the clinical trials so he has done as many as just about anyone. He said he was only one of two community doctors in the clinical trials as opposed to large institutions such as Mayo or university hospitals. The community doctors were able to do more implants because the large institutions move very slow due to paperwork, slow scheduling, etc. He has also done countless Nissens.

I have not had any reflux. I see a lot said in this forum about rebound but I have not experienced it. I eat whatever I want but do it slowly. My swallowing problem manifests itself by pressure coming up my esophagus and ending with a lump in my throat. No pain though. I wait for it to pass and then continue eating. Today was my best day. No problem at all with breakfast or lunch and a few small episodes during dinner. Friday will only be three weeks so its still early. It will only continue to get better. Nothing unexpected has occurred. I was in the hospital one night.

I highly recommend Dr. Smith. He really took his time with me prior to the surgery explaining everything. My whole family really liked him as well as the whole staff at the hospital. One of the nurses told me people have come there from overseas to have Dr. Smith do the linx. It's almost like the linx has become Albany's claim to fame. They have a huge billboard in the middle of town advertising it. All of the people there are really friendly.

Post Edited (fishguy) : 6/12/2013 7:59:12 PM (GMT-6)

Fishguy --- thanks for the Albany Dr. Smith information. (There is a Doctor Smith at Mayo in Florida. ). We will be calling Albany. They are reasonably close to our family home. Appreciate your information. Please, please continue to let us know your progress,--good or other symptoms. It helps us soooooo much. Pat

mattinthehat2502
From what we have experienced insurance wise---(may not be the same for all insurance companies) the insurance has been paying the claim for the procedure but NOT for the Linx device itself which is $5,000 ( limits to the contract). I think this was also mentioned under another topic on this forum . Don't know about your other questions though. Good questions to think about. Thanks.

Jtif...Will the surgeon do a payment plan with you or does the full payment need paid before the procedure? I have a surgery consult coming up for the linx and i have blue cross blue shield too and im scared that they will not approve the linx procedure. Im so desperate i will pay out of pocket.

I had the linx done on july 31st by Dr Marohn at john hopkins. So far so good. No dysphagia or reflux just alot of pain at the incisions. My insurance is highmark bcbs and they approved the procedure.