another dr. bauman question

Hi again with more questions........sorry! 1.) I have my first appt scheduled with Dr. Bauman on May 14th. I am scheduled also with the Nutritionist on that same day. Today I received a packet of papers from his office with a questionairre booklet, along with the surgical weight management program papers where they tell you what the 1 year program consists of and how much. I was under the assumption that I had to see him before and after, naturally, along with the nuritionist once a month. Is that what this is, just the paperwork for it, or is there another chapter that I need to do? Are there "bad" answers to the questionairre? They say I have to pay $500 for this, $100 each month. 2.) I have not even gone to have my first visit with him, which is $255, I guess in additon to the $100 for the other?????. Several friends who know I am getting as much done now as I can, are saying they think I should wait untill I see the surgeon first to make sure he's going to do it, or else all the other things will be in vain. How many ppl actually get all their work done BEFORE their initial appt????? That's what I plan to do.~~~~~~~~ Nancy

Hi Nancy! I had all of my work ups and things done after my initial appointment and it took a little longer to get a surgery date. My husband had most of his done before his initial appointment and he got a surgery date withing a month. I don't think there are bad answers to the questionnaire. I think they just want to make sure they know what your habits and things are so they can help you better post op. The booklet I think is for the Nutrionist Diane. She will be the one you see on a monthly basis who will help you with what foods to eat, etc... I have BCBS of NC insurance and they refunded me my $255 for my initial appointment with Dr Bauman. Hopefully you will have the same happen to you. Everyone at Dr Bauman and Dr Pirrello's office are wonderful. They will help you with anything you need and answer any question you have with a great attitude. Good luck with your appointment and if there is anything you ever need, please don't hesitate to email me. I'll be glad to help you any way I can. Carly

I am using Dr. Moran from Raleigh, and I met with him the first visit. In fact, he conducted the required information session personally! He is great, and is staff is awsome. He spent time with me and answered all my questions. I would never spend all that money on these tests without even meeting the Dr. first. Carly, I also have BCBS of NC, did you file for the $255 yourself, or did your Dr.'s office? I thought that fee was out-of-pocket for us. Thanks! Lori

Hey Lori! I did not file for the $255 with BCBS. Dr Bauman's office filed it with Insurance and they refunded the money to me once all of the fees were paid by insurance for the surgery. Carly