My surgeon is charging me two program fees that I'm just not sure of. The first was a $75 fee to cover the seminar and various other stuff. The second is $1000 due one week before surgery. The part that concerns me is that these fees will not be submitted to insurance. That seems a little curious. Also; I had to pay $95 for my Nutritional Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation which also was not submitted to insurance. They say that there will be no other fees. Anyone else think this seems odd?

Mine charges 5750 above & beyond what insurance covers. It's for the one year follow up care including NUT. But since she sucked I no longer go to her. Now fighting with the practice to get a refund.

That should be illegal. It's way to much money!

I have no program fee and they give us the NUT at no cost. They feel like it should be a paid insurance benefit just like PT is for someone with a broken ankle. Mind you the cost is prolly in my surgery somewhere. However better I pay 20% than the thousands some of you are. At least insurance has a cap for what they will allow.

The center I am at used to charge a $2500 program fee. When my surgeon took over the center he said he would only do it if there was no program fee charged to patients. So he took over and there is no fee. My center is a blue distinction center through Anthem and I have a very, very experienced surgeon.

Way too much money.. I paid 400 bux and learned everything from here . I dont need no Nut or counceling

I have a 3,000 max out of pocket with my insurance which kind of sucks but it beats the $30,000 that he will be billing the insurance company... Wonder what their negotiated rate will be.

I have been seeing Dr. Snow with Heart of America Bariatrics. They usually have a $200.00 program fee, but have been waiving it this year.....said it was due to the economy. Other than my co-pay for the first visit, I have not paid any out of pocket expenses so far. Last appointment with the NUT was yesterday and my paperwork was submitted to Cigna yesterday..... guess I will find out about any extra fees when I get my approval.

I paid $1,000 fee plus my deductable and copays. The extra money was worth it for the wonderful service and followup I got. I ended up paying about $2,200 out of pocket.

It doesn't sound outlandish. They are providing things that they feel are necessary to give you the best chance of success, but that might not meet the guidelines of being medically necessary in the eyes of the insurance company. You do want the best chance of success, don't you?

If you don't like it, the best thing is to contact some other surgeons offices and see what their fees are and also see what your total out-of-pocket costs will be if you use the other surgeons. If you find someone who will give you a better deal, then go with them. If not, you know you are getting the best deal you can get with your current provider.

I paid 1125. 500 for program 625 for surgeon deposits.... Primary and secondary. This business is easy money for any doc doing it. Can be image dark side of things