Do all doctors charge a fee above what the insurance company pays? The doctor that I am having so much problem with charges 1500.00 above what insurance pays. Any info would be appreciated.

I seen online what mine billed the insurance but being under contract they accept what the insurance paid as paid in full and did not bill me for anything else. and actually the surgeon that accompanied him also submitted the same amount and Ins paid him the same amount and still accepted as paid in full. maybe someone else has had a differant experience.

No, not all docs charge a "program fee" (the usual title for it) but many (maybe half or less?) do charge one to cover various costs that aren't covered by insurance - their support groups, pre-op education classes, consults with nutritionists, physical therapists, exercise therapists or trainers, etc. etc. etc. When charged, the fees are typically a few hundred dollars but I have seen some in the $5-6k range. My doc didn't charge a program fee, but rolls the additional program costs into his surgical fee, but doesn't work thru any of the insurance networks, so he is out of network for most - you pay whatever added services there are one way or another.

Edited April 6, 201511 yr by RickM

I just had my regular co payments for each visit and then a final payment of $600 for the actual surgery. However, the hospital bill was $5000. That was the portion my insurance didn't cover.

My doctor didn't have a program fee but the nutrition class was not covered by insurance. That was an additional $200. I also had a $400 copay per my insurance company. So my total out of pocket expense, not including copays was $600

No this is a cash only fee. This does not include copays.

Ours did but once you look at the "whole picture" then you see its pretty much about money. Bariatric practices are 40-45% profit.