What's with the Program Fees?

[allycatt98 35]

After investigating a couple of different surgeons I'm starting to think that "Program Fees" are commonplace. On average, the fee is approximately $600 and non-refundable. That's a lot of money when you consider how many people they see in their office -- this includes those that are seen and for whatever reason opt not to proceed with the surgery. That money is gone.

When I read what the Program Fees support, I'm not really impressed. Thirty day supply of Bariatric Vitamins, access to the multidisciplinary team, educational program (nutrition and exercise), support groups and concierge services. Okay I can buy Vitamins on my own for much, much less. I'm already paying out-of-pocket for Nutritional Counseling services ($225 for six visits). Access to the multidisciplinary team? Uhm really? At this point in my life I know how to book a hotel room and can probably get a better rate than them. I'm not going to their support groups because they are three hours away and will probably never visit the office again after my follow-up.

Either way I'm moving forward with this process but I really feel like the docs are taking advantage and padding their bottom line. As it is I have a $3000 deductible and MOOP of $6000.

Anyone else going through this?

Tone: Calm, but annoyed.

[newat52 1,612]

I think that is bogus. I would personally not use a surgeon that requires me to buy Vitamins and food from their office. It is just another way to make money. If they have to rip you off by saying buy from us or we won't do the surgery, I would find another surgeon.

Part of the cost of doing business is they will do consults and not end up doing the surgery. That is just a fact. They should not make you pay for that.

[magtart 603]

I have never even heard of Program Fees.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I have not heard of Program Fees either, and I agree they sound bogus to me.

[allycatt98 35]

Really? No one else has encountered these? I wonder if it is a Florida thing....

The part that irks me the most is that a good deal of bariatric patients are travelers; meaning that aside from the follow-up appointment(s) (if that) they won't be seeing the surgeon again. I get that people should be paid for their time, but I'm not interested in paying for support resources that I can get elsewhere for free or for no additional charge.

The reason these physicians can get away with it is that they are so well known here and have a loyal following. So back to the drawing board. Now I need to find another practice in Florida that is part of the United Healthcare BRS program.

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Im with JeanZ and magtart, I've never heard of program fees and my doctor certainly doesn't charge those. Allycat, what part of the country are you in? Maybe its a regional thing. You are probably too far into it to change doctors but we're with you... all that extra stuff is just bogus. Good luck to you and hope it all turns out.

[whosaysyoucant 111]

Never heard of program fees either. Surgery done in MN.

[allycatt98 35]

1Day,

I'm in Florida, and there is a hospital and bariatric surgeon on every corner (seriously!) but United Healthcare requires that the facility and physician be a part of their Bariatric Resource program. Tampa, is a relatively large city, but there is only one hospital on the list and I just don't care for Tampa General Hospital. So I decided that I would have to travel to other parts of Florida and that's okay, but these Program Fees that the providers want to charge are cray cray.

[SuperFab 689]

I am going through a bariatric Center of Excellence and , while they offer Bariatric Advantage weightloss products, they do not require you to purchase them. As a matter of fact, my nutritionist, that works strictly for them, suggested all kinds of products and lots of different companies like Chike, Premier, etc. I'd never go to a clinic that required that. A lot of that stuff tastes like guano.

April

[allycatt98 35]

SuperFatty,

I think that one of the drs. includes the supplements in her fee. But the other..... just Vitamins and superfluous support.

[SuperFab 689]

SuperFatty, I think that one of the drs. includes the supplements in her fee. But the other..... just Vitamins and superfluous support.

Go with your gut, girl. You got this

[Jerzygurl 372]

I never heard of program fees. My doc never said anything about any other fees... and didn't bill my ins. for anything other than the surgery and my visits to his office. He even offers free support group meetings and a boot camp (mandatory informational session) right before surgery at no cost.

Definitely sounds like some padding to me.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Jerzygurl

[Sarahjane79 397]

I have to pay a $250 program fee. But it covers the years worth of group meetings, NUT and post op doctor visits. It's totally worth it in my case.

Edited January 24, 2014 by Sarahjane79

[SuperFab 689]

I have to pay a $250 program fee. But it covers the years worth of group meetings, NUT and post op doctor visits. It's totally worth it in my case.

Yeah. That's definitely worth it

[allycatt98 35]

I have to pay a $250 program fee. But it covers the years worth of group meetings, NUT and post op doctor visits. It's totally worth it in my case.

Why do you have to pay for the post-op visit? That one is included in the global surgical fee. But otherwise I think that's a pretty good price. I'm going to the new wellness center opened in the hospital and paying the non-member rate of $225 for six nutritional coaching classes.

I'm not going to say that there isn't some type of benefit to the "Program" amenities offered by these docs, but it needs to be commensurate with the price. I have a huge problem paying to attend a support group.