Poopsie 1 Posted November 12, 2007 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"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndioGirl55 32 Posted November 12, 2007 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 $$$... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WASaBubbleButt 41 Posted November 12, 2007 Sounds like your doc has a good thing going. For himself. :eek: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HunterCol 0 Posted November 12, 2007 I have BCBS and they cover the lap band procedure. My benefits book says that they cover the psychological part of this also. The surgeon that I chose office tells me that they only use one psychologist and she does not accept insurance. I ask how to go about using another and again all I get is they only use one. Next, there is a fee of $150.00 for the initial consultation and a program fee of $900.00 due before the surgery. This is in addition to $350.00 to the psychologist, $$$ 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndioGirl55 32 Posted November 12, 2007 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... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndioGirl55 32 Posted November 12, 2007 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... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
