PMRI & $$ & St. Francis and money, etc - here is the down low on it

Hi All, I must say that PMRI was the biggest rip off. I did not learn anything new about my health. I went with the flow to get the surgery. I was one of the people who took the one day life skills class ($20) and then told later that I needed to take the six weeks ($275 even though the psychologist said that I did not need it) becuase it was now required. I have BCBS National and I asked for my 15 minute $96.00 food diary 4 weeks post op appointment be charged to my insurance and they would not do it stating that BCBS DE will not allow it. I explained that it was not DE but the national account and they still did not do it. This is the deal.... They have CONTRACTED rates with insurance companies that are MUCH lower than what they make us pay and we only get back what the insurance company would have paid. Example: for surgery amount charged $9,500.00 amount allowed $1,473.00. I did not have to pay the difference. Look at your insurance "Explanation of Benefit Payments" statements. Needless to say, I was informed that I did not need to pay $80.00 for a nurse to read my blood work at PMRI but rather have my doctor do it for $10.00. PMRI stated that my doctor would not know what to look for however I asked and yes, he does. Oh, I found a nutritionist that charges $100.00 for 3 one hour appointments to help me with my eating. She is very informed about what we require. Go with what your gut tells you. $1,200.00 is a lot for people ~ I paid as I went. Maybe PMRI is worried that people might learn that they can trust other medical people with the WLS care and stop using their services like I have. Best Luck to all, Jennifer

I am going thru St Francis and Dr Peters is doing the surgery. Dr Bianci is the final dr to see before approval but Iragu, Wynn, and Peters do the surgery. I have a surgery date of 4/15/05!!!!!!!!!Yipppeeeeeeee Rhonda