UofM.....tell me about their program????

It seems like I ran into some policies changes at the surgeon's office I wanted to utilize and I am just not kosher with them so now I am looking for other options.

UofM.....of course, that would be an ideal place to be for anything medically related, right?  People travel across the state for them!  I called them back in the summer and I was told they do NOT have a program fee, but she really wouldn't elaborate on anything else and simply told me I needed to attend a seminar (at two months of a waiting list).  

Because I live an hour or so away, I really want some general information before I commit to driving an hour for a seminar.

SO...I am wondering if they have no program fee, how does it work for them??  Do you just pay nothing until your deductables, coinsurances come due?  What about the pre-op/post-op diet stuff?  Do they just make a list of some things you go buy on your own somewhere?  Do they get you approved (insurance) BEFORE they do anything else?  

If anyone can share their story/process with me, I would greatly appreciate it! :)

I did read a tad on their website about their requirement of The MINIMUM requirement  is 6 monthly visits with-in the past 2 years, but then it says it may vary depending on insurance requirements.  SO..does that mean if the insurance company doesn't require it, THEY don't require it OR does it mean they require it REGARDLESS?  Mine DOES require previous attempts, but there is no time frame on it.

I think Jan made it sound like someone was purposly ignoring your post, which I'm sure wasn't the case.

I did have my surgery at U of M, but that was 3 years ago, and the program has changed.

My insurance covered everything, and all of your follow up visits were included in the cost at the time. 

As I said, it is a completely different program now, so I don't have the answers to your question. I do know the process to get approved there is a lot slower than with other centers. 

Apparently no one has anything to say about U of M.  I had my surgery at Henry Ford.  We don't usually ignore a post like yours tho.
Jan

I had mine at Henry Ford Macomb with Dr Pesta, and I was very happy with everything.  Dr Pesta's office  (Sally Green) took care of everything to do with the insurance.  The seminar was free and they tell you what to eat on your 2 week pre surgery diet.  They also meet with you and tell you exactly what you need to do to be approved by your insurance.  I didn't have to do the 6mth diet because my BMI was over 50,  if it was under 50 I think my insurance required a 6mth diet within the 2years.
Unfortunately I know nothing about U of M  but if that doesn't work for you, there are many other great docs around!

Good luck!!

Karen

I as well had mine with dr pesta however I can say that I did see the uofm people at the weight loss conf last oct.. An once I told them I already had surgery they seem to not want to talk to me .. They did not take the time to find out poir to finding dr pesta I was looking to transfer office.... But I am happy with Herny ford dr pesta an the office staff there take care of every thing an anything you need.

You really should contact UofM and have them send you a brochure or something or you contact you insurance company and get their requirement.

I can't help you either I am a Henry Ford Patient.

I was at UM - been pretty happy with the program so far (but if you want a lot of attention, or have a need/desire to get strong nutritional advice (vs. cheerleading), I don't know that I'd recommend it.  I LOVE the surgeon I had (birkmeyer) and think he did a great job - but the NUT/PA etc are pretty rah rah without a lot of substance behind them...  just my opinion.

As for the cost, my unsurance covered everything after a $1k co-pay.  I didn't have to pay for office visits (beyond co-pays) or anything like that.  Follow up visits are copay only too.  I'd recommend getting into one of the info sessions asap - as that was really the only "in" to the program that I could identify.  They did require a 6 month pre-op thing, regardless of what your insurance requirements are.  I believe they start this from the day they receive your application, which you can get at the info session.

Feel free to ask other questions.  good luck!


Lara