Is this unusual?

[Poopsie 1]

I have BCBS and they cover the lap band procedure. My benefits book says that they cover the psychological part of this also. The surgeon that I chose office tells me that they only use one psychologist and she does not accept insurance. I ask how to go about using another and again all I get is they only use one. Next, there is a fee of $150.00 for the initial consultation and a program fee of $900.00 due before the surgery. This is in addition to $350.00 to the psychologist, $$$ copay for the hospital, and $$ to meet my deductible. Did anyone else pay a "program fee"?

[IndioGirl55 32]

I have BCBS and they cover the lap band procedure. My benefits book says that they cover the psychological part of this also. The surgeon that I chose office tells me that they only use one psychologist and she does not accept insurance. I ask how to go about using another and again all I get is they only use one. Next, there is a fee of $150.00 for the initial consultation and a program fee of $900.00 due before the surgery. This is in addition to $350.00 to the psychologist, $$$ copay for the hospital, and $$ to meet my deductible. Did anyone else pay a "program fee"?

Yep big bucks - alot more than you - but it includes 5 yrs of office visits/fills and access to my doc 24/7 (i have his cell phone #) access to the nutritionst etc.. I wanted a local doctor - So I paid the fee.. I am blessed to have had the $$$...

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Sounds like your doc has a good thing going. For himself. :eek:

[HunterCol 0]

I have BCBS and they cover the lap band procedure. My benefits book says that they cover the psychological part of this also. The surgeon that I chose office tells me that they only use one psychologist and she does not accept insurance. I ask how to go about using another and again all I get is they only use one. Next, there is a fee of $150.00 for the initial consultation and a program fee of $900.00 due before the surgery. This is in addition to $350.00 to the psychologist, $$$ copay for the hospital, and $$ to meet my deductible. Did anyone else pay a "program fee"?

Yeah I'm paying a program fee too, but I think it's worth it. It covers post-banding exercise program (including a 3 month gym membership) fulls and so on.

But I also had to pay 500 bucks for the psychologist. And she was not in network so I'm paying that out of pocket. Really I think that part is a scam, 500 bucks for about 60 minutes and to clear me for surgery.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Sounds like your doc has a good thing going. For himself. :eek:

Yep - he is the only one here in the desert - and he knows his way around the insurance companies - the problem is that he could be helping so many more people if it wasn't for his program fee...

[IndioGirl55 32]

Yeah I'm paying a program fee too, but I think it's worth it. It covers post-banding exercise program (including a 3 month gym membership) fulls and so on.

But I also had to pay 500 bucks for the psychologist. And she was not in network so I'm paying that out of pocket. Really I think that part is a scam, 500 bucks for about 60 minutes and to clear me for surgery.

Hunter - I agree with you sometimes I think it is all a scam too I wonder if all these doc's that your surgeon sends you to for all your pre-op if they give him kick backs - I am just to cynical sometimes...-- but have met people here who continue to see their shrink about their food issue - and some really aren't mentally prepared to have this surgery..

$500 omg that was alot - I think mine was like $325 hr - but it was in network...