$100 Referral Fee?-- Not sure how to feel about this...

[OasisTerry 13]

I read a post by one of the doctors here in Bariatric Pal offering a $100 referral fee per patient, is this an actual deal? How does this work? What are the requirements for the person that makes the referral? How does a potential patient know that this is a real patient that has actually used the doctor?

I recommended this site to friends so that they could get a feel of what it would be going to Mexico for their surgery and they were mostly confused by the information they received (they were addressed by BP team members and offered deals and Skype consultations) I have been staying in Mexico for a while and feel very confident on the level of medical and dental care but, and this is a big "but", the bariatric pal Mexico forum is a bit overwhelming on the sense that it is sales driven and you get hit on by offers and advertisements. This is very off-putting. It's like being at a car dealership.

I was told not to post this because it would be removed and I would end up being banned by the site or would be accused of being a sales person myself. Does this site have that kind of censorship? We'll have to see.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

I think it's weird.

[OasisTerry 13]

I'm not interested in getting the referral fee, I'm concerned about the fact that money is being offered for a recommendation. I would like to believe that when somebody is recommending or referring me to your group is because they really did have a good experience and not because they will get money out of it.

For example, when my friends joined, they received private messages from several users saying wonders about their doctors, is it because they were looking for the fee? How do you know if those people were actual patients? My answer to them was that they should only believe a recommendation if it comes from someone they know, after all, as a patient it is our responsibility to research thoroughly before making a decision.

I had a great experience with my doctor and his coordinating team but even so, I am hesitant to refer anyone I know because they might have a different experience or a complication and I would feel partly responsible for it. I write about my experience and if it helps others, I'm happy but I would not ever expect a payment for referring someone to a doctor.

[OasisTerry 13]

Thank you David, you've answered my question. I've already had my surgery, what I wanted to know is if you had a way of making sure that the person referring someone else was an actual patient, but since it only applies to patients who have used BP then you do have a way to verify this.

[BigHarleyGuy1 149]

OasisTerry -

I am a patient of Dr. Altamirano. I was sleeved on 8/10/2015.

I would recommend Dr. A to everyone who asked.

I could care less about the $100. The money means nothing to me and I would not compromise my integrity for $100. Perhaps some would, but I am glad that I do not know any of those people.

If anyone is looking for a surgeon that cares about his patients, has an outstanding staff, hospital, and support behind him then Dr. A is the way to go. I would text, email, or have a personal conversation (Skype or phone) with anyone that was looking for more information or a recommendation.

That is how strongly I feel about "My" Doctor.

Best Regards.

Mike