I made a big, expensive mistake!!!

[greta 0]

I had to switch to a different doctor at the last minute and went with a doctor who charged me $3,500 for a "program fee". It is a total rip off, offers nothing, and has not been a good doctor or office. Beware of "program fees". Most of the people on lapbandtalk.com don't have this fee. I was banded 1 1/2 weeks ago. I'm in OC california

[CarmenPonce 0]

I live in Garden Grove. I went to Oband Surgery Center and was not charged any program fees, but i have heard of doc's doing this.

Edited July 4, 2009 by CarmenPonce

[HolliJ 24]

The first surgeon I looked into had a $3,700 program fee. I said, "Forget it". The surgeon I'm using now has NO program fees, NO consultation fees, and NO administrative fees.

He's awesome.

[Stacy0614 0]

Hello Greta,

Do you mind me asking where you went? I have started the process with "Weight Loss Centers" also known as "Top Surgeons" out of Beverly Hills.

I had all pre-op procedures performed on 7-18-09. I have asked about money owed by me but told nothing was due from me yet. Can you explain the fee you were charged??

But now I am starting to feel that I need to change after all I am reading through this web-site.

Thank you!!

:smile2:

[~*~*~Panda~*~*~ 0]

i went to the weight loss institute of AZ I paid some program fee's but it came with lifetime nutritional and Dr. advise. I personally found it to be worth it. The Weight Loss Institute has been awesome! No regrets!

[viprvenm 0]

Program Fee sounds like new wheels for the doc's Lexus.

[greytz 4]

I paid a program fee but it was not nearly as steep. $1,000 and it covered my Protein Powder which is yummy, before and after Vitamins, my visit with the psych doctor and it paid for my co-pay to them. They filed and dealt with everything to do with my insurance and they set up my hospital stay. All I had to do was show up. I thought it was definitely worth it.

[greta 0]

Hi stacynclare I went to Milton Owens, Coastal Obesityin Orange county, a big advertiser on this website. Not many surgeons charged this ridiculous fee. Just ask them if they have a "program fee" that insurance doesn't cover. By the way, this fee did not include any pre-op stuff. It was for a program manual (he gave the the booklet by allergen that is free), insurance paperwork, access to websites (he told me to got to lapbandtalk.com), like I needed to pay $3500 to come here. My guy was a rip off and the staff isn't particularly good or knowledgeable. Just ask about any other fees. Good luck, feel free to ask me any other questions. I'm one month out. Surgery went fine, but not much restriction and I am starving. I thought it would be easier. Listen to what is said on this website. It can be tough going until you hit that sweet spot. I'm glad I did it, just waiting for a few more fills to make overeating a much easier nut to crack.

[greta 0]

Greytz Yes, I would say that $1000 was worth it. I didn't get anything for this. I paid separately for physc, Vitamins, Protein powder. I came at the last minute and brought them all the paperwork. All they did was fax it to the insurance company. I'm not disputing program fees. This was an extra $3500 that insurance doesn't cover. Good luck

[greta 0]

You bet Vipvernm - I was his 3rd patient of the morning. $3500 times 3. That didn't include what insurance paid him. NOt bad for a mornings work.

[Stacy0614 0]

I am finding out some scary info on the center I have attended. One of the owner doctor has had his license revoked and the other (his brother) is on probation!

I am also getting info from Chapman Medical Center in Orange. I have a cousin who went there earlier this year for gastric bypass and he is completely satisfied.

I am so disappointed, I wanted to be banded before years end...I don't think I will be.

Thank you for your support!!

[greta 0]

stacynclare - Chapman is where I went.

Be aware of this ridiculous fee. Make the drive up to Marina Del Rey. Jeremy Korman is great, now accepts BlueCross. If you don't have insurance all the doctors have a cash price. Find a doctor and staff that are helpful and you like. It's worth it. Once you do, it can be just weeks before you are in surgery. I think you'll do it!!!

[isaviolinist 11]

I had a program fee but it was only 300 dollars or so. It covered my group teaching class (it was like a more in depth seminar with the doctor, for those of us getting close to surgery time), psych eval., nutritionist, and group nutrition classes, and gives me access to all of the support groups for life. The office staff is really great and knowledgeable and very easy to contact for any issues (including insurance, billing issues, appointment times/changes, etc.).

It was a low fee and I don't regret paying it. My doctor is really amazing. I emailed him last Saturday with a question and concern and he called me back 30 minutes after I sent the email. On a Saturday!! If some of the fee went to him, I think he deserves it so I'm okay with it. I actually bought him a present following my surgery. Because he's just that great haha. That type of care and concern is so unusual for doctors in big-city teaching hospitals.

Anyways, I think if someone had said there was a 3500.00 program fee, or even 1000.00 program fee I would have run the other way.

[IndioGirl55 32]

I had a large program fee - it includes 5 yrs of fills - preop food - nutristion at every visit - and my doc sits and talks with you.. Plus I don't have to pay any co-payments for the 5 yrs from surgery

The program fee is his way around insurance - They bill insurance $10,000 - they get paid $1,000.

Ya I could have gone to another doc - but I wanted a local doc - and I love my Doc - I'm lucky to have had the $$$ he is worth every penny...

[NinaC 0]

I'm one week post op and I went to Dr. Korman in Marina Del Rey, CA and he's great!! His staff is really knowledgeable and he's a very talented surgeon. I work in the medical industry in LA and I did a lot of asking around before I decided on a surgeon.

I'm a cash pay, so I don't know if he has any special fees. Good Luck!