CMMC Support Group Question

I was under the impression that the CMMC Support Group meetings are open to anyone in the area who has had WLS, or is contemplating WLS, regardless whether it was done at CMMC. I attended the November meeting. There was no mention of any charge for attending these meetings. Last week I received an Explanation of Benefits from Blue Cross saying that they had paid Dr. Hawks for service on 11/14/06 and that I owed $20 to Dr. Hawks. I have not received a bill from Dr. Hawks. Can those of you who attend these meetings please tell me if you pay to attend and if your insurance is also billed as though it's considered a doctor visit? Thanks for the info. Happy New Year to Each of You!!! Pam

Hi Pam... I have not attended Dr. Hawks meetings before, but apparently you are not the only person she has charged for November's meeting. I wish I had an answer for you. You might want to call Adam Dungey at CMMC and ask about it. Karine

I go, but they do not have any of my insurance information. I have only been about 3 times, and never heard mention of paying Dr. Hawks. (I am assuming you mean you went to the pre-meeting with Dr. Hawks at 5:30, not just the regular meeting at 7:00). I did hear of someone else who was charged though was never told she would be charged - someone who had surgery at CMMC. She is good, and I would probably consider paying, BUT I would like to be told beforehand that I was going to be charged, or my insurance was. There probably needs to be some clarification from the Dr. or clinic about this. We will certainly bring this up at the meeting. DeAnna

I saw Dr. Hawks for my evaluation before surgery and she told me that she has a support group that meets before the actual 7pm meeting at CMMC. Dr. Hawks meeting is for post-op patients only, but everyone else (pre-op/post-op/support person) can attend the actual support group meeting that is after her meeting. She did tell me that if I attended her meeting she would charge my insurance but never told me how much the cost would be, that is why I have never gone to that meeting, only the actual support meeting that starts at 7pm. I would call Dr. Hawks and ask her about this and see what she tells you! Marci

Dr. Hawks did my evaluation also and invited me to come to the early meeting & support meetings once I had my surgery. But I don't recall her saying anything about a fee or billing my insurance. I have Blue Cross Basic and they require precertification before treatment. The EOB said they only paid her $19 for the 11/14 support meeting. Thanks to everyone for responding. Pam

Pam, Dr. Hawks charges the insurance company. You are not expected to pay the copay. If the insurance pays, great.. if not.. no problem. (This is my understanding) This is part of the ongoing care. My insurance insisted on the bariatric clinic I used to have this in force, so they expect the charges. Hope this helps... HUGS K

Thanks for the info. I won't be able to attend January and February meetings, but maybe I can be there in March. Thanks again, Pam