PROGRAM FEES

[Debbbiee 0]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around a $1250 program fee. It's a mandatory fee, good for a lifetime and is not covered by insurance. It is for the program to provide educational and emotional support needed to adjust the psychological changes that occur during the transition. It includes pre-operative education and postoperative support groups not covered by insurance.

If my insurance requires a nutrition class, that will be an extra $100.

I'm not sure if I should pay the 1250 or contact my primary doctor and see if I can be referred to a different facility. That sounds like most people don't have to pay this fee.

Does anyone know if it's easy to have a h m o change where/what doctor the referral is to?

[Fit2btied 122]

Mine charges 5750 above & beyond what insurance covers. It's for the one year follow up care including NUT. But since she sucked I no longer go to her. Now fighting with the practice to get a refund.

That should be illegal. It's way to much money!

I have no program fee and they give us the NUT at no cost. They feel like it should be a paid insurance benefit just like PT is for someone with a broken ankle. Mind you the cost is prolly in my surgery somewhere. However better I pay 20% than the thousands some of you are. At least insurance has a cap for what they will allow.

[terrilo 5]

The center I am at used to charge a $2500 program fee. When my surgeon took over the center he said he would only do it if there was no program fee charged to patients. So he took over and there is no fee. My center is a blue distinction center through Anthem and I have a very, very experienced surgeon.

[nyorker 67]

Way too much money.. I paid 400 bux and learned everything from here . I dont need no Nut or counceling

[LBD 121]

I have a 3,000 max out of pocket with my insurance which kind of sucks but it beats the $30,000 that he will be billing the insurance company... Wonder what their negotiated rate will be.

[Boomersmomma 7]

I have been seeing Dr. Snow with Heart of America Bariatrics. They usually have a $200.00 program fee, but have been waiving it this year.....said it was due to the economy. Other than my co-pay for the first visit, I have not paid any out of pocket expenses so far. Last appointment with the NUT was yesterday and my paperwork was submitted to Cigna yesterday..... guess I will find out about any extra fees when I get my approval.

[loseitsoon 157]

I paid $1,000 fee plus my deductable and copays. The extra money was worth it for the wonderful service and followup I got. I ended up paying about $2,200 out of pocket.

[ItsMe2033 143]

It doesn't sound outlandish. They are providing things that they feel are necessary to give you the best chance of success, but that might not meet the guidelines of being medically necessary in the eyes of the insurance company. You do want the best chance of success, don't you?

If you don't like it, the best thing is to contact some other surgeons offices and see what their fees are and also see what your total out-of-pocket costs will be if you use the other surgeons. If you find someone who will give you a better deal, then go with them. If not, you know you are getting the best deal you can get with your current provider.

[kvdme 64]

I paid 1125. 500 for program 625 for surgeon deposits.... Primary and secondary. This business is easy money for any doc doing it. Can be image dark side of things