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Topic: RE: Program Fee
If aftercare meant free fills for life, it might almost be worth it, but it doesn't! Right? No flaming here. You are 100% dead on.
Topic: RE: Program Fee
If I had known then what I know now. Famous last words. However I would have went for the surgeon that gives more attention to their patients and w/o the program fee.
The reason I chose Weiss and Oldham is because they assured me that they would not force a blood transfusion and the anethesiologist assured me that he would not override the surgeons decision. Also I had two friends that did well after surgery with this group. I did not check around to see if other bariatric surgeons would do the same, I just went with the ones I was sure would respect my decision.
Z
The reason I chose Weiss and Oldham is because they assured me that they would not force a blood transfusion and the anethesiologist assured me that he would not override the surgeons decision. Also I had two friends that did well after surgery with this group. I did not check around to see if other bariatric surgeons would do the same, I just went with the ones I was sure would respect my decision.
Z
With 
I will succeed.
HW: 280 - LW: 190 - GW - 180
Unfilled 8/15/11 - WT: 209
1st Fill 11/29/11 - WT: 215.5 - 3cc
2/20/12 - New Goal - Get n Onederland
2nd Fill 4/26/12 - WT: 224.0 - 3cc
Z
Topic: RE: Program Fee
Yes, I went to one consult with W/O. They may be great surgeons, but I know for a fact their aftercare sucks rocks. I know many of their patients, and many have switched to other surgeons for follow up b/c W/O can't be bothered.
Nope, it's never an issue to switch surgeons right up until the point you are on the table for surgery. You haven't been cut, you have plenty of time to go to another surgeon. Even if you already have insurance approval, you can have it transferred to another surgeon.
Good luck. I just want you to be aware of what the future holds if you become a W/O patient. I don't feel they are 100% honest up front. And yes, I do feel they are greedy, which is why they are branching out to whatever hospital they possibly can in the state. What happens if you have a major complication and they are in Hazard, Louisville or Maysville for the day?
Nope, it's never an issue to switch surgeons right up until the point you are on the table for surgery. You haven't been cut, you have plenty of time to go to another surgeon. Even if you already have insurance approval, you can have it transferred to another surgeon.
Good luck. I just want you to be aware of what the future holds if you become a W/O patient. I don't feel they are 100% honest up front. And yes, I do feel they are greedy, which is why they are branching out to whatever hospital they possibly can in the state. What happens if you have a major complication and they are in Hazard, Louisville or Maysville for the day?
Topic: RE: Program Fee
I have to support hillofbeans. Dr. W did my surgery and I started having problems in Dec. '08. It took them until June of '09 to decide I had problems. I didn't even see a doctor then until the day I had surgery over again and Dr. W was very rude to me prior to surgery. He is a good surgeon but he does not follow you. I did see him again for my post op follow up in June, but it was because I was leaving them to go to Dr. Sonnanstine. I have done wonderful since I started seeing Dr. Sonnanstine and there is no way I would go back to Dr. W&O.
Below this post someone asked is it easy to change doctors after starting with one group. I don't know but it was easy for me to change when I did. I would not worry about it though, go with the ones that care for their patients, not the ones that are only interested in the money you can pay them. The "program fee" is a joke with them. You are told that it is to cover aftercare, etc. there is no aftercare and what little there is, is provided by the hospital not the doctors. I would run away from this surgery mill and fill center as fast as I could.
I know I will get flamed for this but frankly I have experienced both sides of the fence which is something most have not done.
Below this post someone asked is it easy to change doctors after starting with one group. I don't know but it was easy for me to change when I did. I would not worry about it though, go with the ones that care for their patients, not the ones that are only interested in the money you can pay them. The "program fee" is a joke with them. You are told that it is to cover aftercare, etc. there is no aftercare and what little there is, is provided by the hospital not the doctors. I would run away from this surgery mill and fill center as fast as I could.
I know I will get flamed for this but frankly I have experienced both sides of the fence which is something most have not done.
Jacqueline
RNY 1/24/11
Topic: RE: Program Fee
Have you had experience with Weiss/Oldham group. Those are very harsh words. After "starting" with a particular sugeon's office can you switch to another office without much issue if no surgery has been performed?
Teresa AKA tjcteacher 
Topic: RE: Program Fee
Not seeing a surgeon after surgery unless you have a complication is NOT "pretty much how thing are done in the bariatric community". It IS how things are done with Weiss/Oldham. Surgery mill, through and through. Both Dr. Husted and Dr. Sonnanstine ALWAYS see their patients for each appointment after surgery. I'm sure there are many other surgeons that do as well.
Weiss/Oldham are greedy and need their time to lure in more unsuspecting surgery candidates at their satellite locations throughout the state. You'll be lucky to see one of them BEFORE surgery.
Just my .02.
Weiss/Oldham are greedy and need their time to lure in more unsuspecting surgery candidates at their satellite locations throughout the state. You'll be lucky to see one of them BEFORE surgery.
Just my .02.
Topic: RE: Program Fee
I have been corresponding with them via e-mail. The insurance lady e-mailed me back today and she says the program fee can be paid with our flexible spending account. Dealing with them has been OK so far, but i must say I have been a little concerned that we will not see the physician after the surgery unless we have a complication. I spoke with my primary care physician and he says this is pretty much how things are done in the bariatric community. He has nothing but good things to say about this group.
Topic: RE: Program Fee
No, Dr. Husted does not charge a program fee.
A program fee is for nothing more than lining the pockets of the practice. Whatever bill of goods you are supposedly being sold with the fee is crap, and should be given to you free of charge.
A program fee is for nothing more than lining the pockets of the practice. Whatever bill of goods you are supposedly being sold with the fee is crap, and should be given to you free of charge.
Topic: RE: Program Fee
I wonder what the $500 is really for? I too am going to have to pay for it-i have extra flex spending money but since they call it a program fee i don't think humana will pay for it? Have you had very good luck getting anyone at the surgeon's office to talk to you. The insurance coordinator seems difficult to reach for me. can't get a call returned
Teresa AKA tjcteacher
Topic: RE: Is anyone free Wednesday, Thursday or Friday EVENING
Wednesday evening is good with me, anywhere to eat is find also!! just let me know where and what time!!! Lisa
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