Strange Letter from Chrias

I received the letter from CHRIAS on Friday and have been upset. I have had 2 surgeries since 11/05 and my insurance BC/BS PPO has paid well over $20,000 (Yes without customary discounts. If CHRIAS doesnt want to take my insurance then maybe I should choose other Physicans that will take my insurance. The physicans at CHRIAS are not the only surgeons that perform Bariatric Surgery in the Tri-State Region and I for one will contact my insurance company for recommendations on my healthcare concerns. I then will make an informed decision that is right for me.......

Sharon, I agree 100% with you. I feel sad that it might come to finding someone else, but I can't afford $ 125.00 each time I go there. I hope that this will be rethought and maybe something will change. Did the letter say if it is all of bc/bs or just certain policies. I have PPO and I wonder if they are still taking that. Ellen

I recieved this letter at my last appt while leaving. I called the office regarding future fills and she let me know, 125 for visits and another 250.00 for fill. I'm hoping my next fill will be the last Denise

I had my one year post-op visit a few weeks ago, and got the letter at that time. I spoke with Dr. Wynn about it, and they are very upset in dealing with the insurance companies. She explained to me that they (CHRIAS) has been trying to negotiate rates with those companies for some time, to no avail. She told me that Blue Cross said they were cutting the reimbursement to the doctors by around 40% because the insurance company had only made a 1% profit off the gastric bypasses, and the insurance company wants to make more money! I worked for an insurance company for a while, and I don't know how those people sleep at night. Talk about a business. Not trying to play devils advocate, but I wouldn't like my boss cutting my pay by 40%, then telling the reason is because my company wants to make more money off of me. Usually with PPO plans, you can still go to the doctor you want, but the risk is that you may have to pay full cost, which equates to going out of network totally. Dr. Wynn had hopes of meeting an agreement with the insurance companies, but I guess it sounds like things aren't going so well. My thoughts are with those out there who are just beginning their journey and have many doctor visits/surgeries in their future. Seeing Dr. Wynn's concern on her face that morning--I know in my heart that she feels for the patients and they are trying to do what's best for all. She also mentioned that Blue Cross had called their office, saying they had been deluged with complaints from CHRIAS patients complaining. I believe I will join the ranks in calling Blue Cross and *****ing about their measley 1% profit. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. The year I worked for an insurance company, that company had an 18% profit, and wanted to make more, and we were told our jobs depended on making the company money. You guys figure it out for yourselves. I know CHRIAS is very concerned about all of this and how it affects their patients. I know they care...I could see the stress written all over Dr. Wynn's face. Let's just hope and pray for the best with this.

I received the letter and by chance I had an appointment for September 1, 2006. I called the office and I was told they are still negotiating with Blue Cross and until it is resolved I will have to pay. I rescheduled because I did not have any bloodwork ordered. If I have to pay $125.00 I'll make the best of it and have my bloodwork with me for the doctor to review. Kim

Apparently Bariatric Surgeons aren't the only ones getting their payments slashed by insurance companies. Interesting article http://www.physiciansnews.com/cover/898dv.html

To all....the article I posted a moment a go was actually from 1998 and although it's not directly linked to our current situation, it shows that this insurance problem has been going on for years. The insurance companies obviously don't care about the welfare of their insured or they wouldn't cut payments to the physicians that are making their insured healthier. The last thing I want is a surgeon operating on me disgruntled because they feel they aren't getting paid enough to do their job. What price can you put on a good quality of life? The insurance industry has reduced hospital stays for many procedures. At one point I thought child birth was heading towards being an outpatient procedure. Thank goodness they rethought that. When you think about all the changes that have been made in last 10-15 years regarding surgical procedures and lenghth of hospital stays, who has benefited the most? The Insurance Companies. The faster they get you in and out, the better. This insurance issue has definitely put a damper on my plans for surgery. I'm still going through with all the clearance appointments but as far as surgery, until things are settled with the insurance companies, I'm out.

My concern on this issue is that my 3 mos post-op was included in the cost of the surgery and I shouldn't have to pay anything for it. If my appointment wasn't cancelled because she was going on vacation I wouldn't even be as upset as I am. Jen

Diane, I received that letter over a week ago. I am 3 weeks post op and saw my surgeon, Dr Wynn on 9/1/06. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO and she assured me that on 8/31/06 they "re-negotiated" with Blue Cross and all my follow up care would definatley be covered. I had also called my insurance company to confirm this and called the phone# Chrisas listed at the bottom of the # . Both were very helpful. Hope this helps. Julie

I am very sad to read this this a.m. with my first consult just days away now. I guess when I go in on Friday I will get the lowdown but I'm going to call my pcp also and see if she's heard anything since she's doing my referral from BCBS, I have a POS insurance through them.... thanks for the heads up! Michelle