I've been approved for my band through my Insurance co. Empire Blue Cross / Blue Shield PPO. My surgery date is Dec. 9th. However I was told at my 2nd appointment that there is a $4,000 program fee for services that are not covered by my Ins. Co. Such as meetings with a Nutritionist and on-going support groups. Is this normal? I also inquired at another doctor's office in my area (Orange County, CA) and they told me in addition to my Insurance that they have a similar program fee, around $3,800.

It just sounds strange to me. Has anyone else heard of this? Or paying for this?

I will, as I feel I really like the program and the Doctor. But I just don't want to be taken advantage of either.

Thank you very much for any input!

Warm Regards,

Michelle

I had a $600 program fee. I thought that was a bit much until I read 4K! wow.. I'd keep looking.

We have a $200 program fee. I think it's ridiculous, but they say it covers the cost of the "free" seminar, "free" support group meetings, "free" informational packet that we get. But $4,000!!:tongue2: I'm thinking $200 is a real bargain.

You would think that the entire cost to the surgeon's office could be built into their charges, because it's all a part of the care/success of the patient. But then I know that federal rules can regulate what costs that can be allowed to be built into their charges.

I think I would look around for another doctor, or negotiate a price with them based on your ability to pay. I would think they would rather keep you as a patient and get payment from your insurance company, instead of losing you as a patient altogether. Worth a shot. All they can do is say no.

If I attend the seminar, my first consult with the surgeon is free, otherwise it would cost $200.

My pysch consult runs from $350 - $275 (depends on who you see - I'm seeing the dr. that costs $275).

The dietician consult is $75.

The rest of the fees are for the surgery, the surgery center, and the anesthesiologist (or however you spell that!).

All follow up care and fills for the first year are free. After that, fills are only $50 (which around here, can be a specialist copay - but I don't have insurance coverage for this so I'm out of pocket).

I would definitely shop around, but sometimes if you are in a particularly large city, or only have one "premier" center, they will charge you an arm and a leg and get away with it.

I would have had the same thing happen if I went to a "premier" fertility clinic in Denver (CCRM). Their program fee (basically if you want to see them) was ridiculously expensive, and not covered/reimbursed by insurance.

I didn't have to pay a "program fee". In fact I had never heard of one until I read about them on this forum. Also, my insurance paid for a psyc consult and a nutritionist consult also.

Personally, I think they are trying to rip you off!:tongue2:

Check carefully with your ins. co and other facilities and doctors in your area before you decide who will be doing your surgery.

Well, I personally think that places are charging these fees to make up some of the money they lose out on from insurance reimbursement. I have absolutely no proof to back that up, just a hunch. My surgeon's office charged me a "nominal fee of $350" which, according to the woman at the office includes informational paperwork, pre-surgery readiness class and the pre-admission teaching day. Yeah, I think it's a rip off, but I love the doc, and they can get me in before the end of the year, so I paid it. But no way could I, or would I, pay $4000. That's just obscene!