Dr L. Machado/sacbariatrics/program fee?

[Lana24 10]

Has anyone else been told that Sacbariatrics has a program fee of $2850??:faint:

[faithmd 14]

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?

[Lana24 10]

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!

[destiny79 0]

Never Ever Heard Of Any Type Of Fee. I Would Change Dr. Asap That's A Rip Off

[kathystrick 3]

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.

[faithmd 14]

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?

[Lana24 10]

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)

[Lana24 10]

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??

[Lana24 10]

faith,

most insurance forms are filed through the internet now...electronic claim forms...already has cpt codes/ scan supporting docs/transmit....all worth 2850 ???????

[destiny79 0]

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

[Lana24 10]

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!!!!!

[miller 0]

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.

[destiny79 0]

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!!!!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

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.

[Lana24 10]

this does not make me happy... but thanks for the info