Question:
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I have attended two WL seminars in the Knoxville, TN area. Surgeon #1, I felt the most comfortable with as the amount of details given and explanation of procedure made me confident in not only him as a physican, but with his staff as well. Surgeon #2 seemed very competent however did not go into the detail that surgeon #1 did. Both have about the same stat's however, Surgeon #1 charges a $3,000 program fee that is not covered by insurance and Surgeon #2 only charges $300.00. What's with the program fees and has anyone chosen the "cheaper" choice? My insurance company told me that the "program fee" was the Dr's attempt to get more money outside of the contracted insurance price and was unethical. Any thoughts or suggestions?    — Rachelle D. A. (posted on May 29, 2005)

May 29, 2005
You might want to check with the state insurance board to see if this is legal. If so, I would find out from the doctors what I was getting for these program fees.
   — BarbaraC

May 29, 2005
Hi here in Ky I have seen program fees from 150$ all the way to 500$. This is generally for nutrionist fees and stuff like that does Your surgeon have an in office nutrionist that you will see? I would ask what that fee covers exactly. I paid 250 I think. Best Wishes
   — Shell G

May 29, 2005
Hi! Honestly I have not ever heard of any Dr charging fees until now. I have not yet had my surgery I am waiting for the date. But I have been to several seminars and none of the Dr. charged a fee. Honestly I wouldnt go with anyone who did. Just gives me the feeling they are doing this more for the money than for the health of the patients they are involved with. Keep looking around I am nearly sure you could find someone who doesnt have all these hidden costs. They honestly should be getting enough money from you and your insurance already. Good luck!
   — lorie_nicole

May 29, 2005
I checked out several doctors in my area before I had my surgery and never was told about a program fee. I finally went with Dr Moore from Tidewater Surgical and Bon Secours Surgical Weight Loss Group. I have the support of my surgeon, his staff, a dietitian, and a wonderful support group. This was fully covered under my insurance(BCBS) of course except for my co-pays. Do you have any other surgeons in your area you can check out? But what made my choice was the way Dr Moore explained things and that I brought my husband to the office and Dr Moore took the time to explain the surgery to him,so he could understand. You have to be comfortable with your choice of surgeons. Good Luck. To let you know that I'm 6 months post op and down 93lbs.
   — GPepper50

May 30, 2005
I paid $225; $100 was for the nurse consult, $100 for the nutritionist consult; and $25 for a book they wanted me to read. It was at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
   — Danita S.

May 30, 2005
Hi Rachelle, I'm from Arkansas and ended up, after much research, having my surgery in Little Rock. With all of my research for this state, not one time did I come across a "program fee." I believe your insurance company is right and the surgeon is trying to get more money. It may be worth your time to check out surgeons in another area or state. My surgeon, Dr. Mark Gibbs, has a phenomenal record and has gone on to do a good friend of mine. The cost of travel and hotel would be less than $3000 by far! The only thing I would say is that if you are more comfortable with the doctor who charges the higher fees, then I would go with him. Nothing is worth sacrificing your peace of mind as you go into this surgery. It can be scary, but if you feel confident in who is doing it, then that takes care of 1/2 the fear. I hope this helps at least some! Good luck, Melinda
   — Melinda M.

May 30, 2005
I'm from California, so maybe things are different here. But I shopped around and the highest program fee I found out here was $1000. My medical group and hospital have been certified as a center of excellence in laparascopic WLS and their program fee was $750. It is supposed to be to cover expenses of the program facilitator etc. I think it is just a fee that they can charge because the procedure is in high demand. In any case, $3000.00 seems excessive! It would be cheaper for you to fly out here and have it done. Good Luck!
   — Beatrice C.

June 10, 2005
I don't believe the extra "program fees" are ethical even if they might be legal. If at all possible go see Dr. Houston at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. He did my Lap RNY and he is WONDERFUL. He is highly skilled, has a great personality and is genuinely concerned about his patients. My surgery took twice as long as others due to extensive scar tissue in my abdominal area. Dr. Houston did not charge one penney more. Like I said - if it is possible - go see Dr. Houston. It was a 200 mile one way trip for me but he is worth every bit of it. Good luck and May God bless you on your journey.
   — jnetk

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