Surgical Assistant Fee??

I am looking at going with Dr. Smith in Atlanta, GA and have completed their seminar, paperwork and have only one more WL visit from my PCP required (plus my Psych and NUT). I just received their letter telling me their fees and (I have met my catastrophic Maximum and am with BCBS FED) there is an additional $1000.00 Surgical Assistant Fee that I was not told about prior.  Is this common? Is there a way around it?  I am already paying a $400 "Program Fee" that I think is typical and a way to generate aditional income for the practice.  Any advice???

Paula

My practice's fee was even higher. Ask what it covers and if it's absolutely mandatory.

--gina

I paid a $3000 program fee.

A surgical assistant fee may very well be covered by insurance, unlike the program fee.  Call your insurance company and ask them.

I just had my surgery with his office a few weeks ago. This surgeon's assistant fee is necessary and to my knowledge, there is no way around it.

When I paid my fee, the young lady who collects it on behalf of the assistant (you will be receiving an email from her) told me that she would run the fee through my insurance company (I am with UHC). She suggested that there is a chance the insurance company would pay and I would get a refund of the deposit if that is the case.

Good luck!

How did you get WLS from United GA? I had the sleeve done, in the brief period they covered it, and now need a revision, but was told they don't cover any WLS anymore?

I was his patient in 2009.  At that time there was a $500 CASH surgical assistant fee and no program fee (as far as I can remember).  Worth every penny... would have paid double.  His post op care in terms of diet and vites sucks.  But he's a good surgeon.  When I went through his process all the fees were stated up front.  No surprises except how awful his NUT was. 

Thanks so much for all the advice - I don't have a problem with the program fee, I know most use it.  I was truly wondering about the surgical assistant fee.  I will eat it if I have to, I have heard so much about his surgery that I am excited and nervous, LOL!  Where do you get your info for diet since his NUT is so bad?  Everyone I have heard says the same exact thing, LOL!  Also, do you know what pre-op diet he makes you do?

THANKS  AGAIN!

Paula

Hey Paula,

The pre-op diet for me was basically 2 days of clear liquids. They also strongly encourage you to lose some weight before the surgery.

I have to pay 0 towards my surgery and hospital stay because I met all my deductibles. I am trying to use DR. K and he has a $4000 program fee.  The funny thing is I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IT COVERS, but when i was told about it I started figuring out a way to get it. LOL