sportbikechick

Hello! I didn't put this under the insurance forum because I know I'm covered and I know my benefits - but the doc's office I went to for a consultation did something that I thought was odd. I met with the doctor very briefly and he showed me a video. Prior to going in the desk person said she'd double booked me so I understood he may be a little rushed. I was a little un-nerved but shrugged at it, I figured I'd get more time with him later. Then I was to meet with the dietician. They had said at some point I'd meet with her - they didn't say it would be my first visit. I said that my insurance would cover it - as I had checked with my plan manager 3x's. I was told that they NEVER cover it and besides, the dietician doesn't "get involved" with that (insurance). So, it would be $50 out of pocket. She came in after the doctor - and very unprofessionally had a wad of checks and her 'take' for the day in her hand. She asked me to tell her what I ate in a day and wrote it down. That was it. She said it was for insurance purposes. I was dumbfounded. I hadn't even chosen this doctor yet. Why did they just take $50 from me for insurance reasons when I may not even go with them. Being in that situation it is hard to stop and take a moment because you want to be polite and not make a scene. I emailed the desk person later asking for a general release of info form to send to various doctors - she said 'oh we don't do that, that's on you' ... oooohkay... fine. I also explained I felt a little bit railroaded by the dietician situation and asked what happens if I go with another doctor. She said I was free to do that but I wouldn't get my money back because she provided me a service. IMHO - this "service" shouldn't even be occuring until I'm commited to this office. Did I just get ripped off? Oh, also, I have to take a $150 mandatory class with the dietician and see her 4-5 more times at $50 each. Does that sound right?!?

I didn't attend a seminar because this is the second time I am looking into getting this done. The first time was in 2000 and backed out at the last minute due to something that happened to someone I was talking to on a forum. So - I was informed and had gone through all the screenings etc back then - upto and including being approved and having a surgery date. This time I was with a different insurance and in a different area of the metro so I was looking for a new doctor. The issue wasn't with the doctor - I expected him to be kind of a drive by - and I felt comfortable with my level of information - it was the offices practice that was the uncomfortable part. I'll need to talk with my insurance provider and see what they actually require vs what the doc's office says is required. I will still likely go with someone else if possible. I had an obgyn office who's staff was changing monthly and it made my pregnancy needlessly complicated - so perhaps my tolerance for administrative BS is a lot lower too.

Thank you so much! I'm glad I found this forum Are you recently banded? How did it all go for you?

Good point. I had planned to call them to see if they had other options. I see there are other surgeons in the area but they too fall under the HealthOne umbrella - I will be curious to see if they have the same policies. I am fortunate enough to have a fairly cadillac plan for insurance and don't mind the out of pockets, but the whole thing seemed shady. If this is standard practice and I am the one in the wrong, then okay... then I'm just dealing with unprofessional office management.

Thank you ! My only concern now is if this office is the only game going as far as location and who is "in network" for me. I'm in south Denver, CO. The office I went to was Dr. Chea's. I read in another forum that a few years ago a lot of the patients had issues getting appts etc. I am hoping I can find another Dr!