PROGRAM FEES

[APRPro4U 2]

You are all awesome. So here's the 64,000 question:

How do I find a D/S surgeon who doesn't charge a fee? I'm damn good at researching anything & everything on the web but many -- like the doctor I was planning to see -- do not mention the program fees on their sites NOR their initial phone conversations.

I don't need the "TOP GUY"...just one who knows what he or she is doing. Any thoughts?

Again, thank you for your kindness.

M

[54Shirley 105]

For starts: Go on the Forum, scroll down until you see your State click on it, then cities will appear click on yours, and neighboring .Print them out or write them down, and call and find out. It's old fashioned work.. So good luck.

Also ask your Ins. Company, they should be able to help you.

Shirley.

[Jennifer H 0]

Holy cow get a new doctor. I only had to pay a $250 program fee.

[CheckYes 46]

I am totally against that outrageous amount. I think I paid a fee for the nutritionist and that was probably it. I want to say it was about $300 total but I can't remember. I was a self-pay patient.

I do have to say, though, that cardiac and cancer treatments are generally not elective. While, WE all know that the band and other WLS surgeries can save lives, we also know that obesity isn't thought of in the same way that cancer and cardiac issues are. We are generally blamed for the way we are and I think doctors who are charging those types of fees are really taking advantage of people in need. If the cost covers legit expenses, then fine. Perhaps there are classes that you are required to take or something, I don't know. What I do know is that I didn't have to pay that and it sounds like many others didn't have to either.

Find someone else.

[DrRee04 0]

You don't have to pay it, so move on and find another Doctor. You cannot control what a Dr. charges. And your precious insurance companies are like the mob. They gouge you for every cent, while promising to pay us, but they begrudge us every penny and will not hesitate to ask for money back if they can find a loophole! They also set what we can charge you. With over $250K in student loans, not to mention countless years of sacrifice and poverty on our part getting through school and residency: all for the love! Believe me there are easier ways of making money. Also >50-100K for malpractice insurance. That $4k goes up on smoke really fast.

[abqann 3]

My surgeon charges $450 program fee for nutrition counseling and it includes the Protein Shakes i think. I meet with her next week, I do not know what all it entails or how may visits, I just know it is for 3 months , The fee also includes the phych eval