Lana24 10 Posted December 20, 2007 Has anyone else been told that Sacbariatrics has a program fee of $2850??:faint: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
faithmd 14 Posted December 20, 2007 Don't know anything about that surgeon or program, but I personally think "program fees" are a HUGE bunch of CRAP. I ended up going to a different surgeon because my first choice charged a mandatory "support group" fee. Now she's moved out of state, wonder if anyone is getting back their fees? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 20, 2007 that is exactly why i did this thread, I think its BS also...not one other person I talked too paid a program fee or even knew about the fee (either of them lol)...After the program fee of 2850/my deductible 250/my portion of the surgery itself 1500 (est) and what about the anestesia there is another fee/by the time I am done it is equal to a cash pay in Mexico with out the vacation! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
destiny79 0 Posted December 20, 2007 Never Ever Heard Of Any Type Of Fee. I Would Change Dr. Asap That's A Rip Off Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kathystrick 3 Posted December 21, 2007 The Dr. I am considering charges $500, but that includes meetings with the nutrutionist and what they call a nurse psychologist, as well as co-pay for office visits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
faithmd 14 Posted December 21, 2007 Quite a few docs are charging program fees that insurance doesn't cover. I understand there is a lot of paperwork to be done, and lots involved in supporting the patient, but then come up with codes to be able to bill for office visits, etc. I can see paying a paperwork fee (something like $50 maybe) for materials, etc. But some places charge for the insurance paperwork to be filled out and submitted, ummmm, isn't that their JOB? Isn't that the whole point? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 21, 2007 Hey faithmd, This another one of my points...I don't mind paying a "program fee" that is reasonable but $2850...that seems like a lot of "program"...and if or when I move out of the area then what? Money down the damn drain. I can also understand administrative costs as well, maybe $1000 (per patient) above and beyond, but I wonder where this number came from. And I have still yet to speak to one of her patients that have PAID this fee or even know about it. I just want to be sure that this is not just some unscrupulous employee trying to get "gas money" out of Dr Machado's patients... (seen it happen) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 21, 2007 ok lets recap the fees 2850 program fee 200 psy eval (through her office) 1500 my 10% of surgery 250 my ins ded 100 5 ofc copays 500 time off work ________________ 5,400 Grand total This is why I pay $350 per month for health insurance?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 21, 2007 faith, most insurance forms are filed through the internet now...electronic claim forms...already has cpt codes/ scan supporting docs/transmit....all worth 2850 ??????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
destiny79 0 Posted December 21, 2007 that is crazy mines was phyiscal evl. free labwork: free Dr. visit pre opt copay $20.00 insurance ded $300.00 10% for surgery 1450.00 and the hospital allowed me to make payments my insurance month cost 103.00 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 21, 2007 I know fortworth ins and cost of living is cheaper than california...I think dr machado is worth it, I am just worried about the long run. And if none of her other patients are paying it neither am I!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller 0 Posted December 23, 2007 They make you get xray of the band at the hospital. They said the hospital charges $1800. What a rip off! But there are few options docs that do lap band aftercare in Sacramento. I am having to take jaunts to TJ to my fills. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
destiny79 0 Posted December 23, 2007 I am in Dallas Texas and these Dr. have so much competition that they are giving things away , free physical eval. free labwork , free post opt visit and I got a gift card for Walmart for any med. awesome!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WASaBubbleButt 41 Posted December 24, 2007 They make you get xray of the band at the hospital. They said the hospital charges $1800. What a rip off! But there are few options docs that do lap band aftercare in Sacramento. I am having to take jaunts to TJ to my fills. $1800??? That's insanity. My Mexican doc charges $75.00. Actually, he doesn't charge that the hospital does. I can see $200-$300 for a US hospital, but $1800? That's theft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted December 26, 2007 this does not make me happy... but thanks for the info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
