First visit today...

[newday 1]

Maybe you guys can help.. went in for my first visit with the surgeon today and I was a little shocked when I was told that I have to come up with roughly $2,000 out of pocket for "Physicians fees". They participate with my Ins Co. and should accept what they pay... or so I thought.. anyone else have this issue??

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

Please find out exactly what 'physician fees' includes. You will be responsible for your co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. Many doctors charge a small program fee but $2000 would be ridiculous. If the $2000 is your estimated total out of pocket cost that might be acceptable (mine was around $1100), if the items I mentioned above aren't included I would look for a second opinion!!!

Good luck!!!!

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 200.6

[mskami77 295]

I had to pay a 200 program fee. I haven't had my surgery yet so I'm not how much my out of pocket will be after my deductible is met. 2000 for physician fees seem excessive. I would ask for a break down of what the fee is for. Don't sign anything saying you'll pay it until you know exactly what it's for. Good luck!

[ElleG 394]

Ouch! I only paid $10 deductible for each visit so $60 bucks out of pocket. No program fees??? Never heard of this.

I would look at other docs too, the insurance companies pay these docs well. Check ur coverages are they paying 100% 80% that could b the issue, BUT if it would have cost me $2000 to get to where I am today I would have gladly paid it. Best Wishes!!!

[ajustice 484]

I paid $400 physician program fee and $50 to see the in house nutritionist. $2k seems kinda wild. I think I might would seek another opinion before paying it. I do have to say tho with my program fee came excellent patient care and service. Good luck!

[ms_shea 6]

I have uhc and paid 150.00 for my psychological evaluation early on and just yesterday paid 1600 of 3000 for pre-op (hospital/physician fees). Thankfully the rest is onba payment plan..to be honest it's well worth every penny.

[Jacqueline K 93]

I paid around $3500 out of pocket but that was to hit my deductible and out of pocket max- my UHC plan was 80% but once I hit my out of pocket I was done. $300 of that was a program fee and $130 was for pre op diet they made me purchase. In the grand scheme of things it could have been so much worse. If that 2k is for deductible and stuff that's ok but if its just the program fee I'd find another surgeon.

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