On reccomendation of my primary care provider, I am contemplating
gastric bypass surgery without benefit from my medical insurance.
Being self pay, I want to limit the risks by using the best surgeon
and the best hospital in that order. I am not bargin shopping.
However, I don't want to be a totally uninformed consumer.

Initial "self pay" "cash up front" prices are $27K to $35K for
hospital stays and $7 - $9.5K for surgeons fees.

How much are these prices above what BC/BS (or any large managed care
organization) would pay in network vs out of network.

Is there a better way to get closer to the negotiated contract rates
for someone self paying other than going out of the country. Seems
like countries like Austria have better prices. The risk there seems
to be surgeon follow up if needed.

Limit the answer to issues involving the US domestic marketplace.