Program fee?! Reputable surgeon?! (DC area/VA)

[krasc001 0]

So I am still in the process of researching the lap band surgery and went to a seminar for Dr. Pinnar in Reston, VA. Currently, I have a consultation set with this doctor for next week. While review his paperwork, I noticed he had a program fee of $2500 that covers, I can only assume a number of different costs. I'm not trying to pay that much, so am looking at other doctors in the area. Is this the norm in regards to bariatric surgery?! To most doctors charge program fees? and if so, are they higher or lower than $2500. Any suggestions, or advice is welcome. Thanks all!

[purple3797 5]

Hi! I have an out of network deductable for 375 and the I have a 150 program fee which includes the psych and nutritionist. and of corse all of the copays along the way aqnd the 60 dollar copay for the endo. It is certainky adding up but not a 2500 program fee that seems steep. See what that includes:smile:

[Mimilou2004 13]

There are plenty of Practices out there with NO program fees. That is pure profit for the doctor and is highway robbery!!!!

Mimi

[BetsyB 9]

My top-notch doctor does have a program fee. It covers nutrition classes, use of exercise facilities, and a few other amenities that are not covered by insurance.

The fee was $300.

[lzj21428 0]

I had my surgery performed by Dr. Barry Greene in Rockville, MD. The program fee was $500 which was deducted from the total cost of the surgery. I was self-pay, not through insurance. Don't know if that made a difference. I would highly recommend Dr. Greene. If Rockville is convenient for you, check him out.

[happygirl65 5]

The doctor I am going to in Phx charges a $1200 program fee and it was explained to me that it is for all of the support and things you need afterwards to succeed in your weight loss goals. It includes email access to the doctor anytime and also a bunch of books and supplies to start you off with. It does seem steep but it seems there are lots of docs that do charge a program fee of some kind, what is covered in that fee varies widely though.

[krasc001 0]

I had my surgery performed by Dr. Barry Greene in Rockville, MD. The program fee was $500 which was deducted from the total cost of the surgery. I was self-pay, not through insurance. Don't know if that made a difference. I would highly recommend Dr. Greene. If Rockville is convenient for you, check him out.

Yes, I looked up Dr. Greene and that program fee is right around what I am willing to pay. It must be nice to be self-pay, cause I can barely pay for groceries,

Rockville, is a little far out for me so I don't know if that will work out, but I will look him up again to see if does any procedures at the nearby hospitals. I live in Loudoun County, BTW

[jedivy21 2]

Look up Dr. Brian Long at Sibley in DC. There is a link to the program on Sibley's main webpage. The program fee for the Sibley program is $600 and it covers all of the appts needed pre-opt and pre-approval, 2 fitness consults post-op, and group counseling post-op.