hospital wants a check for $500.00,from me personaly . then my insurance pays a percentage. the money is for support classes after surgery. i went to a hospital in mass. is this a common charge?? how much does insurance actualy cover? thanks larry:confused::thumbup:

My doctor requires this also, in my case its a program fee which covers the nutritionist, psych and excercise programs. I *think* its pretty common to have a program fee. The fees are usually not billable to insurance according to the insurance person at my surgeon's office. I work for the hospital where I am having surgery so I am only required to pay $50 for the program fee- at least there is one benefit to working there:rolleyes2:

As far as how much your insurance will cover, that depends on your particular plan, I would call and speak with your carrier.

ty

for the information, i feel better knowing that it is common to charge that. i'll notify my insurance and let you know. so when you going to get it done? what procedure you doing. ? i was told it's not a miracle worker, so i have to keep my mind in it. keep in touch larry

I don't understand this at all. I don't pay anything for all my program until after surgery, and my insurance will pay most of it. I have never heard of them charging an upfront fee.

first seminar I went to I was told $500.00 out of pocket to cover psych and program fees. I did not care for Dr that did seminar so I went to another one. Love the Dr. at 2nd seminar. Fee is $175.00 only for the psych evaluation. Both seminars were in southeastern MA. Definately shop around if you can. My insurance (BCBS MA) will pay for everything else except office visit co-pays.

where did you have it done? i went to concord mass,

I shopped around and all of the major Boston hospitals charge $500. I think it is a scam but the way i see it , I have already paid thousands to LA weight loss and the such but at least I know this will work.

Hi, there. I was banded on 5/7 and our program too called for a nutrition program before (12 wks) that was $350 & also a program fee for after of $275. It was explained to us that both are to help ensure the success of the Lap Band by prepping you with the nutrition, exercise & fitness know how before surgery. The program after is to cover the cost of dietitian visits after as research has shown that people are often much more reluctant to seek these out, even though they are very necessary, because they are typically only partially covered by insurance and subject to deductibles. Interestingly, I found it a very concrete way to keep me grounded as I have spent this money, so I'm certainly gonna get something for it!

Larry:

I have BCBS of New England. I had a $500 copay that I had to give to the hospital before surgery. I always have $500 copay for inpatient surgery, and $250 for outpatient. It has nothing to do with the hospital requirements, but my insurance copays. At Norwood they want it paid in advance. I went to Caritas Norwood. My surgeon was Dr. Adam Glasgow of Glasgow and Glasgow, Norwood, MA. They're great over there. The $500 has been so worth it.

Good luck.

Sue

I am going to Adam Glasgow also, no date yet still in the preliminaries

I might have been lucky, but if you are going to a doctor and hospital that are contracted (in-network) for your plan, then they are contractually not supposed to ask for money up front unless it's a copay. And the psych eval should be covered under any medical plan due to federal legislation, the nutritional counseling maybe not, but don't let them screw with you!

Main thing to remember is to contact your insurance company before you give anyone a dime and let them tell you what you should pay. And then make them fax or email that to you so you have a record of it.

Hang in there!

Hi:

The Glasgows are great, both Father and Son. Good luck with the process, and eventually with the procedure. Maybe I'll meet you at support group sometime.

Take care.

Sue

what hospital is that in? i went to emerson hospital for meeting, they are not certified yet,they need over 500 surgeries in that field, i live in worcester, don't have a date to go yet . keep in touch