Ok, I just got the revision packet from the surgeon's office I have been considering for my revision surgery. Overall, the packet is pretty standard, asks all the standard stuff for your background- but on the first page it states that there is a non-refundable $500 fee to cover costs NOT COVERED by insurance. They say it is to pay for them to submit the insurance approval, post-op (support group) and misc. fees.

I'm sorry, but even though this Dr. is FACS, ASMBS and I have check his state licensing board (no negative remarks), and has lots of people who have talked well of him. I don't know if this is a new fee to recoup costs that he doesn't get from the negotiated rates from the ins. companies, but it doesn't sit well with me.

Anyone ever heard of this?

Check with your insurance to see if that is allowed. With our insurance(military insurance), this fee is illegal. We have a surgeon in this area that charges the same fee, and it's a fraudulent charge that is not authorized. This particular surgeon is currently under investigation by Tricare, and I'm hoping he gets "blacklisted" from performing surgeries with Tricare.

As a self-pay patient, it might be acceptable if you cancel the surgery, or back out halfway through the process, but if insurance is covering the revision, then it might be a scam.

i had a $420 fee that i had to pay that my insurance wouldnt cover. strictly for my nutritionist and my exercise specialist. basically for educational needs. and it lasts me thru 18 months. anything i need in that time, i can call and that fee covers it.

I did decide to stay with Dr. Hoehn and I absolutely love him and everyone I have had to deal with at Shawnee Mission Med. I wasn't happy about paying the $500 but I think I made the right decision. I am having to do the 6 month dr. supervised diet for my insurance which I will be through with in February and my surgery should be around the last week in March. I LOVE the therapist he requires you to see prior to surgery. He has been a huge help. I know you're hesitant about paying the money but (even though I haven't even had my surgery yet) I definitely don't think you will be disappointed with Dr. Hoehn.

Hey VBG, I too have Dr, Hoehn as my surgeon. He is worth every penny spend. With that being said. I too was told at the seminar there is a $500 nonrefundable fee for the support group...etc. However, when I submitted my paperwork, the insurance case manager called and told me because of their contract with my insurance company I didn't have to paid the 500 bucks. I would have paid it anyway becuz I wanted my surgery, but I didn't have too. So what I am saying is maybe your insurance company might have a contract with Dr. H too. You will never know until you submit your paperwork. Good luck!!!

Deb

Check with your insurance to see if that is allowed. With our insurance(military insurance), this fee is illegal. We have a surgeon in this area that charges the same fee, and it's a fraudulent charge that is not authorized. This particular surgeon is currently under investigation by Tricare, and I'm hoping he gets "blacklisted" from performing surgeries with Tricare.

As a self-pay patient, it might be acceptable if you cancel the surgery, or back out halfway through the process, but if insurance is covering the revision, then it might be a scam.

Thanks, yeah I just called Aetna a short while ago and they told me if the Dr. is IN NETWORK, they are NOT ALLOWED to charge this fee- PERIOD. I asked the Rep what I am supposed to do if the Dr. office insists I pay the fee and she said they would initiate a conference call to find out what is going on.

As for the Dr.'s "suffering" for people that back out, I'm sorry I have little sympathy for them. They make ALOT of money and if they don't have a better screening process- then its on them. We are all adults and capable of making decisions for our own best interests. Although, the self-pay route I can see some reasons for a non-refundable deposit.

Thanks, yeah I just called Aetna a short while ago and they told me if the Dr. is IN NETWORK, they are NOT ALLOWED to charge this fee- PERIOD. I asked the Rep what I am supposed to do if the Dr. office insists I pay the fee and she said they would initiate a conference call to find out what is going on.

As for the Dr.'s "suffering" for people that back out, I'm sorry I have little sympathy for them. They make ALOT of money and if they don't have a better screening process- then its on them. We are all adults and capable of making decisions for our own best interests. Although, the self-pay route I can see some reasons for a non-refundable deposit.

I'm going through the run around as well. I went to the seminar in April 2013, my consult was in June 2013. I get there and the case manager tells me that she never received my records from my doctor. As soon as I left the office I called my doctor and told them that their office said they never received the documents. My doctors office immediately sent them again. The case manager told me that she would let me know as soon as she receives them. Well ever since June 11th, I have been calling and emailing EVERY week and have been ignored. I just recently received a bill for I assume the program fee. Seriously, you want me to pay when you can't even respond to a yes or no question??? I am about to call my insurance company and dispute the charge. I don't have time for this nonsense.