Helmuth Billy, MD

About Helmuth Billy, MD

What is Helmuth Billy, MD?

Helmuth Billy, MD is a bariatric surgery practice in Ventura, California, with a second office in Thousand Oaks. Its main focus is weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band procedures. It also lists general surgery, revision surgery, sleep medicine and Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1). The surgical program operates under the name Ventura Advanced Surgical Associates, and the practice holds free informational seminars for people considering surgery.

The two physicians named are Helmuth Billy, MD, a bariatric surgeon, and Andrew Binder, MD, a board certified sleep specialist. The GLP-1 injections are described for people who have already had bariatric surgery and for new patients. The practice says it has helped patients throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara. It does not list hormone therapy, peptide therapy or longevity medicine.

What does it cost?

It does not publish prices. That covers the GLP-1 injection program, any consultation fee and surgical care. It does not say whether medication is included in any price, and it does not name the medication it uses for weight loss injections. The clearest statement it makes about payment is this: "The practice is currently welcoming new patients, and we accept most major forms of insurance and offer financing options."

Its insurance listings name Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net PPO, Gold Coast MediCal and Kaiser Permanente Southern California, among others. Those listings are tied to bariatric surgery coverage, and the practice does not say whether GLP-1 injections are covered. Coverage questions go to Heather Jacobsen, the insurance and billing specialist, at 805-676-9100, extension 118. Financing is offered, but its terms, any membership options and its cancellation rules are not described.

What should you ask before you book?

Start with who signs the prescription. The practice names Helmuth Billy, MD and Andrew Binder, MD, but it does not say which of them would prescribe the injections. Ask which medication would be used, and whether it is brand-name or compounded. Ask whether the price you are quoted includes the medication, and what a consultation costs.

Because the GLP-1 description covers both surgical patients and new patients, ask whether a new patient can start with injections without a surgical consultation first. Ask what follow-up visits and lab work cost, and whether any visits can be done by video. Ask whether HSA or FSA funds can be used, and what financing charges, if any, apply. Ask how cancellation works. Finally, ask which office a visit would be at and whether its hours differ from the others. The practice lists 805-246-9000 for appointments and 805-676-9100 for general questions.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you are already considering bariatric surgery, or have had it, and want injections offered inside the same practice in Ventura or Thousand Oaks. It is a weaker match if you want hormone therapy, peptide therapy or longevity medicine, since none are listed. Either way, get the medication name, the prescriber and the full cost in writing before you commit.

Sources: drbillybariatrics.com, drbillybariatrics.com/services/weight-loss-injections-glp-1, drbillybariatrics.com/contents/about-our-program/our-program, drbillybariatrics.com/services/lap-band

Services Offered

Hours

Monday 9:00am - 2:00pm 9:00am - 2:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm 9:00am - 2:00pm Saturday Closed Closed Sunday Closed Closed

Location