My doctor requires the pre-op diet of Protein shakes/soups for 4 weeks prior to my surgery...

The problem is my insurance will NOT cover the shakes, even if they were perscribes so therefore I have to pay $85 a week ( 4 weeks ) for the shakes...

anybody else run into this problem???

Are you required to buy THEIR shakes or can you purchase them elsewhere? My doctor's office sells shakes, but they told me I could buy theirs or gave me suggestions of ones they approve.

I know Unjury is about $20 and that makes 17-20 shakes of 20 grams protein each...$85 per week is pretty high cost, I think! See if you can buy Unjury or another brand instead of whatever they are selling!

I just buy my own protein powder and make them with milk. My doctor's office didn't sell them, but you shouldn't have to use the ones they sell.

I purchased mine from my doctor (40.00 a jar) I bought 3 jars for 10 day preop diet (5 shakes a day) and 2 week post op diet (avg 3 a day) and still drink them at least 3-4 Xs a week and have some left - I could get the protein shake anywhere but tried theirs and I really like them

85 a week seems high - check Walmart- Cosco and GSN

I am not aware of any insurance that will pay for it only the surgery and after care -

Sounds cheaper than a week's worth of groceries.

The first doc I saw tried to do the same to me. When I questioned why, if it was required, wasn't it covered by insurance. His office went on to say that my insurance requied it. Major fight, calls to the insurance company (TriCare) and I found that part to be a lie. When the doc refused to let me use another type that I could buy, I said see ya later. His costs were closer to 800 for this service.

Unbelievable Niterun. I would have left too.

Mine was about $300 for two weeks of Optifast shakes & soup which also wasn't covered by insurance. I don't know if you have a Flex Spending Account but I was able to use that to pay for mine. I just had to submit the prescription from my doctor to prove it was a medical necessity. If that's not an option for you then I agree with everyone else, I would ask if you can buy something comparable on your own. Good luck!

This nutcase is in Northern VA and he told me that the money would also include the NUT explaining to me how to use the shakes. Really,I at 51 would have needed to have some one explain me how to drink a can of milk? With the new doc,, Nut gudience is included befor and after, as well as group sessions. Also, the liver shrink diet used Slim-Fast or Carnation Instant Breakfast.