"Program Fees"

[greta 0]

My doctor charged a $3,500 program fee, that is not covered by insurance. Is this typical.

[Sue Magoo 71]

Hi:

I didn't have a program fee and the group I went to does fabulous follow up and has a free support group too. You might want to shop around a bit.

I love my band and my new flat tummy!

Sue

[jenfromtheburgh 0]

I have never heard of that. My doctor charged a $50 fee for an orientation session that was not covered by insurance. That was it, then it was just co-pays for the appointments.

[Mirandajanaye 0]

I was charged 1750 by my doctor, for the program fee, it covered the medical screenings and a fitness program. it really was inconvenient:blink: because my boyfriend is a physical trainer so its really not needed for me to see the fitness team. but oh well. it really sucked tho the program fee, i haven't heard of one as high as yours, but i have seen many program fees.

[cmdtl 0]

My doctors have $200 program fee and I thought that was bad! good luck guys!

[blklab70 1]

No program fee here, and free support groups several times a week. I have insurance, so maybe self pay is different, but know the support groups are free.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

My doctor charged a $3,500 program fee, that is not covered by insurance. Is this typical.

Wow! That is extremely high. I'd find another doctor if it was me.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

No. In fact with some insurance networks it's illegal. I agree with WASA; find another surgeon. They need to make money, I totally understand that. But price gouging is price gouging and that's just short of criminal.

[greta 0]

well, the truth is I already paid it. It is a total rip off for example, including in the list of things this offered was a program manual. It was the pamphlet from ALLEGRAN about lap band and he taped his name and number on it.

[nazzy 1]

im still mad i had to pay for classes after i had my lap band done,was 400 and ive never gone to any of them,its to far from my house for me to go

[Grandma26 1]

No program fee, surgeon was "in-network" so I had NO out of pocket cost.

I'd look around !

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

WOW! That's really high. I've heard of $250 a few times but $3,500? That's crazy. I had no program fees. Support group, which is great, is free. I also have a "lap band advocate" who is trained to answer questions and I can call her anytime and get answers very quickly. if it's beyond her training, either the PA or the surgeon returns the call, and because they aren't fielding ALL the calls, you do get a fast call back. All in all, I'm very happy with my whole arrangement. I think if they'd asked for $3,500 on top of what I paid for the surgery, I would have backed down and shopped for another doctor. That's just on the edge of downright outrageous.

[katwmn63 0]

i don't know if you feel comfortable with the idea, but perhaps sharing who your surgeon is on this site so that others might avoid this situation?

i will just cry if my surgeon pulls this on me. my surgery is July 13th, and i have not been informed of a fee like this at all. i am assuming my insurance is covering it all (that is what my surgeon's coord stated anyway).

i hope you have great success so that this fee becomes worth it for you..i'm sure that it will :eek:

Edited July 4, 2009 by katwmn63

[greta 0]

I feel so awful that I paid this, I really don't want anyone else to get suckered. The doctor was MILTON OWENS - COASTAL OBESITY and he is a big advertiser on this website. In the consultation, they made me sign a paper stating that I understood this fee. I had to change doctor's at the last minute and I jumped into this stupidly. By the way, it's a total rip off. I get NOTHING that any other regularly covers and his charges are right in line with everybody. Watch out for him!!!

[katwmn63 0]

i'm sure others will appreciate this Greta. There is nothing worse than docs who prey on those of us who are so desperate to get thinner/healthier:(

I do hope you have great success!!!