PMRI question

Hello... Does anyone know if you can go through PMRI at St. Francis and have the surgery at Christiana, or do they all tie in together? I would like to have the surgery at Christiana but I'm struggling with the program fee ($1200) St. Francis is so much less. As you can see I am just beginning to schedule all of my clearances. I would like to have every thing done and be approved for surgery by November. Thanks in advance for your continued support, Stacey

Stacey, don't quote me, but I think that they tie into each other. You can call and ask there would be no harm in that. Best of luck. Christie

What's the fee at St. Francis? I'm finishing up at the PMRI this week and will pay the final $600 payment on Monday. I just want to see how much I got taken for! Thanks Dee

Hi Dee, My name is Tracy Thompson and I am post out 4/14/05 and I am so happy that I have taken that step. I would see if I can get my money back from the PMRI that works with Christiana because they charge way to much if you ask me. St.Francis charges $400 you may need to pay $135 for the PCP that gives the final clearance and you might need to pay $140 to the pysch. dr. Now all this depends on your insurance. I had a PPO plan so I only had to pay my co pay for the PCP and the $140 for the pyscho dr. Which I am fighting the $100 now because in the paper work I received I was told it would just be my co pay. But that has nothing to do with the people at St. Francis. Because I must say they are wonderful and I plan on becoming a part time. Angle at the hospital for all WLS patients so they can have someone to talk to or visit them. If you have any questions email me at [email protected] I would love to answer what ever questions I can for you. Take Care, Tracy

Stacey, I just had surgery at St. Francis. The fee is 400.00 and includes Dr. visits and 2 nutrition classes. PMRI is just for Christiana, the fee is 1200.00. I went through PMRI 2 years ago when I had Aetna and was denied, I chose St. Francis after Insurance changed to Blue Cross and approved the surgery. I was required to go through PMRI again and did not want to pay that fee again so I went to St. Francis. The care is very good.. right out of surgery to the Intensive Care for your stay.

Thanks for the info. I just found out the difference. I really do not have the $1200 for PMRI. I think it is much easier to come up with the $400 and go through Weight Management. Now I will look into St. Francis Hosp. as I had figured on Christiana. I hate that $$$ has to play a part in this journey but I want to get things moving and that amount is just too far out of my reach... ((((((unless of course I hit the Powerball tonight. LOL)))))) Thanks again, Stacey

Hello Stacey, My name is Tracy Thompson and I had WLS 4/14/05 and I had it done at St.Francis for the same reason $$$$$$$$. If that doesn't say it all. However I am so happy that I did. When ever I whent to Christiana I always felt like a number. When I went to St.Francis I felt like a friend not just a patient. Once you go with the lower priced PMRI you have to go through that hospital. You will need to speak with MaryEllen and she is so nice and so is Anja the nut. You will be pleased. It is not a high budget hospital like Christiana but they care about you more. If you have any questions email me at [email protected] Take care, Tracy

Hey Stacey, Good for you for taking this very big step. You have to go with St.Francis Hospital if you go with their PMRI service. But it is a really nice place to have your WLS done. Like I have told others I felt like a number at Christiana and with St. Francis I felt like a friend. If you need someone to talk to email at [email protected] and I will be more than happy to talk to you about anything, Take Care, Tracy

Judy called me today from PMRI. When I mentioned that I was thinking about going to St Francis because of $$$, she broke every thing down for me. She said the ACTUAL cost is $1600. The $1200 is for BC/BS patients. She told me that my insurance (Aetna POS) covers most of it so I would only pay $863. Still alot of money but a little more "workable". So, I am still undecided. Sorry to ramble but I just wanted to leave this info. I will post when things are final. Thanks! Stacey

Stacey, That is still a lot but if you are more comfortable with Christiana then go that way. Either way you will be fine. Take care Tracy