Pre paying for meetings before surgery

Hi everyone, I have a question. My mother is thinking about have the surgery, with the doctors from GBMC, she has all her medical reports together and went to a pre meeting at GBMC to talk with the doctor and future patients, but after that meeting she called the doctor who is suppose to do the surgery ( which her insurance is paying for) she wasnted to make an appointment to see the doctor and they tol her that she had to pay $500 up front to pay for things they may come up that her insurance want pay for including her post surgery group meetings. Has anyone every heard of that. I had my surgery done in2004 and went through St Agnes and Dr Averbach, and I don't recall paying before having the surgery for group meetings.  My mom is afraid cause in a year she will be 60 and there are not to many Doctors who will do the surgery a 60 year olds, even though she fits the criteria.  If there is anyone who have gone through this in Maryland can you advise us what to do. Thank you.

I have heard of this. I went to one doc that did make you pay. they call it a program fee. The second doctor I went to see did not do it. But I decided to go with the 2nd one because I did not like the first one. he didnt have a program fee so I got lucky. Keep us posted on her journey and yours

The $500.00 is a program fee which covers the cost of your nutritional counseling with Sloan because most insurances will not pay for it.  I was told it covers her services for life.  I had surgery at GBMC and it is an outstanding program with wonderful surgeons. Stephanie

Tara - I'll second what Stephanie said - it'll be the best $500 ever spent.  Dr. Von Rueden and Dr. Moen are truly wonderful.  Not all surgeons have a program fee, but again, it's worth it to have it at GBMC. Take care, Tia

Hi There!! I had surgery with Dr. David Von-Rueden at GBMC I also paid the program fee and I am very happy that I did.  I see Sloan the nutritionist I call her whenever I have a question and she always calls me back, I go to the support group meetings, I see the counselor every two weeks since before surgery and I don't pay any co pays like I had to with my insurance.  It is money well spent.  Dr Von Rueden and Dr. Moein are both very caring doctors and when i was sick after having surgery the dr's called me at home to make sure I was doing good.   I am sure your Mom will not be disappointed especially with these wonderful doctors and their program.  Is she pallning to have the RNY or the lapband surgery?   I want to wish your Mom all the best in her journey.  

I am currently going through the process at St. Agnes and the I did have to pay to see the contracted dietitian and the psycologist. The total costs was $300 between the two.  But I have BCBS and they reimbursed me for all of it.  Also if your mother has a flexible spending account they will also reimburse for the two visits as well. 

My doctor has a fee of $500.00 and it covers everything.  Some of the money goes to having 2 private lessons with a personal trainer.  It also, covers ten addtional lesson with the trainer after your surgery.  Some of the funds cover private session with a dietition before and after the surgery.  The $500.00 fee covers several things too many to list.  Funds well spent, but it is my take on the matter.  Also, I went to a doctor that did not charge a fee and I didn't like him or the staff.

Is this fee standard or does it have to do with your insurance?   I am finally going to my info session tomorrow at GBMC and have to say I dont care much for the thought of this fee.   I have United Health care.    Anyone have this insurance co?  With my job, it doesnt look like I will make these meetings and my insur has a nutritionist that they will pay for. It sounds to me like a way to make extra $.   

These fees are becoming more and more standard in all types of medical offices. I have to pay an annual fee at my gyn's office.  I paid the $500 for Dr. von Ruedin. I also have United Health Care. Other then the program fee and co pays, I haven't had to pay for anything else. The support group meetings are free. although, I don't attend them. These program fees cover the cost of things that HMO's won't cover.

The other part of your message mentioned the concern you had about your mother's age.  I am using Johns Hopkins for my surgery.  In their multitude of paperwork, it said that Dr Thomas Magnuson will do the surgery through age 65.  I know you are hoping to move things along faster, but just in case there is a hold up, she won't have to give up just because she turned 60.  That would be too bad.