I had signed up for an upcoming "free" seminar with Dr. Spiegel's office some time ago (before deciding on a different doc) and today I got my reminder call telling me not to forget to bring my $200 "co-pay" for my seminar and consultation. Oh, and payment for my "free" seminar would only be accepted in cash or money order! :eek: This cracks me up for some reason. Probably because 1) my insurance does not have any co-pay's for anything, so calling any payment I have to bring a "co-payment" is highly misleading and 2) I checked on his site again today and it still says this is a FREE seminar.

Do all the docs that run these seminars end up charging you something like that? I mean, on one hand I can understand that they want compensation for their time, but I think they should be honest about it and not claim that they are doing it for free.

Go see Drs. Davis they are in the medical center. The pre-op progragm is really comprehensive and they help you with the insurance. I'm scheduled for surgery March 7. The seminar is totally FREE and they'll call you a few days later and let you know what your specific insurance benefits are. I was really impressed. go to Houston Bariatric Surgery

the first time i went to a free seminar at dr. spivak's office it was free. but the second time i went the seminar was free, but the "office visit" was not. it was 100.00 to actually sit down in an examination room and talk with the doctor about your personal needs.

possibly you could as to attend the free seminar and come back at at later date for an office visit?