PMRI

I just wanted to let everyone know who is looking into WLS and what the PMRI has now done. I found this out yesterday when I called to find out about signing up for the Lifeskills classes and to make my other appointments. They are now asking for a deposit of $575.00 instead of the $200.00. This is effective as of 10/1/05. They will bill your insurance for the remaining balance, but if they don't pay all of it or any of it you are then responsible for the remaining balance. She did tell me that the total price still be the same, but the payments are set up different now. Needless to say I was a little upset because $200.00 I can come up with, almost $600.00 is a little harder. Deanna

Boy what a difference. That would make me want to go to St Francis since it is still cheaper. I went to PMRI and was satisfied but think for the money we could of had more.

Yes, every time there is another process and its not very patient-friendly. After way too much (I've said this too many times before so I'll spare you again), I am now scheduled at BARIX in langhorne, where I've been very happy. Before you get too involved, I recommend that you investigate there as well. They now have a satellite office in Chadds ford, so that's more convenient as well.

Um.......yeah. Way too close to the holidays ! I paid that money and almost cried afterwards! April

Deanna, Not a lot of consolation but then again it really sucks. The end healthy results will be such a plus. I figure in the past 22 months I've saved $4400.00 in co-pays & not needed drugs for BP, cholesteol and IBS. Not to mention the $$$ I've saved the Insurance Co. So for whatever it is worth, it is a good trade off. Elissa

Thanks everyone for your replies. There is no way possible to go to another doctor or hospital (insurance and personal resons). I wish I could justify the money with the money that I would be saving on medications, I am not on any. I don't have high blood pressure, or diabeties or anything. I am just a plain ole fat person who just needs to loose 150.00 pounds. I will just have to suck it up and pay that money when I get my tax refund in February. I will probably have to delay my surgery a couple of weeks to finish all the classes and appointments, but it will get done. Thanks again, Deanna

I had my surgery done at St. Francis and they were wonderful. I had a fantastic experience and have nothing but praise for all who "catered" to me! LOL As a matter of fact, one of the nurses in the ICU was an old college friend of mine whom I had not seen since 1986!! It was neat!

I wish I could go to St. Francis to save the money, but that hospital is out of network for me with my insurance, so I would be looking at paying a lot more then just the $1200.00 that the PMRI wants. Besides I have an aunt that works there who I can't stand so I would probably be mistreated anyway.

Sorry to hear about the changes Deanna but I echo what the others have said about the costs for the surgery as opposed to the possible medical costs and consequences of obesity. I consulted Dr. Irgau when you had to make nutritionist appointments for private sessions and then you surgery was scheduled however, when the PMRI made changes saying everybody had to go to Lifeskills after a certain date I was caught in a catch 22 and had to cough up $275.00 within a week's time and change my surgery date. Because this surgery was vital to my physical well being I decided to do everything I was asked (even when I did not agree). I just cannot understand why they don't bill the insurance company and then once they find out the remaining balance allow patients to set up a payment arrangement to pay the difference. I believe PMRI will end up losing lots of patients by doing this because some people just don't have the money and the resources to get it and some patients will go other places like Barix Clinics in Pennsylvania, etc. They don't have all the fees but I prefer the pre-op and post-op care you get preparing you for the changes after surgery at PMRI. Best wishes and see you on the losers bench! Prycey Lady RNY 2/2/05 373/236/185??