Physician vs dietician

[TTMarie 1]

I like most, I have the supervised weight management requirement (3 months) with insurance. I originally made an appointment with the dietician my surgeon's office deals with but think they are just going to charge 2x the amount my regular pc would. It says I need monthly documentation of weight, current dietary program and physical activity- by either a licensed physician or registered dietician. Has anyone else just gone through their regular doctor for that piece? I need to get a letter of medical necessity from her anyway- but I'm nervous about somehow messing it up and having to start over again.

[shannalynne 98]

Hmmm.... I'm just starting my process. I didn't get charged twice. I was charged my regular copay. I had my my first visit with the surgeon a couple of weeks ago. I seen the dietician in the same visit. When I go back, I will just pay the same copay. I decided to go with the 3 monthly visits with the dietician over the 6 monthly visits with the physician to save money......

[TTMarie 1]

See yeah for me I don't have copays. I have the coinsurance deal. The dietician isn't included with the fees to the surgeons office, she's not on staff with them (same with psychiatrist for the mental health clearance will have to be an independent) Which would be so much easier if it was just one bundle. She's just someone who works in conjunction with the office and comes in on certain days to see Bariatric patients. My initial visit would be like $250 and then $45 every 15 minutes...out of pocket since I haven't met my deductible this year. So I'm definitely going through my primary care physician (which would be the same 3 months as a dietician). Just didn't know if anyone else had gone that route.

Edited August 26, 2014 by TTMarie