Hello All,

Question...I recently got approved by BCBS IL and I'm super excited!! But, now I've learned from co-worker that had her surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet which is the same place where I'm having mine done. They told her to bring her 300.00 on the day of the pre op visit to pay for some "package" that includes a "free" year membership to their gym and vitamins. Oh yeah they said it was to cover costs from submitting paperwork. Now, my thing is did anyone else go through that? Is it really mandatory. I've known several other people that had the procedure at other locations and they didn't have to pay for any "package".

Thanks.:whatchutalkingabout

This will make you feel better--

My package cost me $16,000.

I had mine at Silver Cross last month. I was self pay. I think there was a program fee involved. Paying $300 isn't so bad, especially if your insurance is going to be covering the majority. Good Luck!

Welcome to the board and this "package" sounds very interesting. I am sorry I don't have an answer but would be very curious to know what you learn! Good-Luck to you!

(After thought) maybe call your insurance company?

I hear ya, jbflorida. Mine was $15,400. My insurance did pick up alot of the pre-op appointments & testing, but there was probably another $400 out of my pocket for that, too. Are you able to turn your expenses in on your income taxes? I plan on doing that.

Hmmm I didn't have a "package" I have never even heard of anything like this <shrug>

Thanks for the replies...but this is not any type of copay or portion that I have to cover after insurance is done. I understand that I am responsible for those remaining fees. But, this alleged package has to do with vitamins. $300 vitamins?!!

psch--saving all receipts and hope to get a lot back!

I just feel like they are forcing us to purchase these vitamins that are specially formulated at the hospital. I know I'll have to take a multi vitamin but I don't have to spend 300.00 to do so.....I know I should see it 300.00 is a small price to pay but at the same time I don't want to be taken advantaged of.

Listen, just because you are not self pay and your insurance covers it doesn't mean you should have to pay for an unwarranted expense. It's your money!

I like your answer Aprilapple! Believe me, I've paid plenty so far to get to this point so I'm not a stranger to fees but come on!!

I paid a $350 "program fee" which includes their initial evaluation (to qualify for surgery), 2 nutrition education classes (which were required by the surgeon), processing my insurance request, and follow-up sessions with the dietician for 5 years. That of course doesn't include any copays or coinsurance amounts for visits or pre-op testing or the surgery. The nutrition classes were pretty helpful but I think I coulda gotten my own info together to submit to insurance and have it sent in already since my initial surgeon's appointment was July 23 and they still don't have the notes from that to send in for insurance approval. I guess I will have to start calling them everyday and maybe remind them they aren't keeping up their end of the bargain since I had to pay that amount before I could go to the classes or see the surgeon. Hmmmmm:confused2::crying:

I also had to pay a program fee. It was $375 non-refundable and had to be paid at the first consultation. It was much like what Cindy explained to cover coordination of insurance, nutritionist etc. No gym or vitamins though.

I have a $3,000 program fee, of which my insurance company picked up $1,500. It covers having a year's worth of diet consultation, 24-hour bariatric nurse support, 12 months of personal training by an exercise physiologist, and my first band fill.

I feel like I'm being overcharged for this, but I had to pay it to get into the program. Professional support is absolutely necessary, but this seems pretty much like piracy to me. I think that a reasonable cost for this service would be $700-$1,000.

I had to pay a $250 program fee. The doctors office said that it was to cover educational materials and the costs of the "optional" support group. Insurance didn't cover it, but I was able to claim it under my flexible healthcare spending account as an unreimbursable medical expense.

Thanks for all the responses. After dwelling on the fee overnight I realize that it really isn't all that much compared to other fees and if I look at the big picture....so I'll just suck it up :biggrin: and get over it!