Carolina Surgical Clinic - Beware!

I want to relay my bad experience with Carolina Surgical Clinic. I called them and said that I wanted to learn more about their clinic because I was considering lap-band surgery. They made an appointment for me and told me they would email me some forms. (I admit, the paperwork  - not the person on the phone - said there is a $200 program fee due on your first appointment, however, I did not believe this would apply to me, since I was just seeking information. The person on the phone said I would be watching two videos and talking to the PA.) Well, after watching the videos and talking to the PA, not meeting the doctor (they said I could meet Dr. Lowe, but it did not happen because he left the office), and talking with the nutritionist, they asked me for a credit card. I asked why - stating point-blank that this should have been a free informational session -  and was told (in front of my wife and my mother!) this would be for the co-pay for the nutritionist ($30) and $200 for future appointments with the nutritionist that *would be refunded* if I decided not to have the surgery with Carolina Surgical Clinic. Well, a week later, I have decided to have it done somewhere else. I called and they now refuse to refund my $200, saying it is the program fee, which is not refundable. Folks, I didn't sign up for the program. If this is the way they do business, there is no way to back out once you show up at their office to watch a video. Furthermore, I was told to my face that what I was handing my card over for was for something other than the program fee. I've called and explained all this, and they still refuse to refund my money. I have filed a complaint with Blue Cross Blue Shield and a dispute with my credit card company. I want you all to know that you should NOT go to Carolina Surgical Clinic unless you are prepared to pay them $200, and also are prepared to deal with their dishonesty.

I used them and had no problems... When I called the first time  I was scheduled for a seminar at the hospital - it was free.... then I had a visit at the office where like you they charged me like 200.00 , and like you I flipped, but I was so desprate for the surgery I paid it .... My insurance would not pay so I had to take out a huge loan to pay for my RNY , it has been tight ever since,,, I ask my doctor ( Melkonian ) what was that 200.00 fee for and he said he had no ideal , I got a refund in the mail a couple days later. Of course things may have changed and staff really does make a big difference , have you tried calling the Office Manger ?  At the time of my surgery they did not do lap band at all , only RNY.  Anyways I am sorry to hear about your problems but I can say--- Dr Michael Melkonian saved my life when he preformed my lap rny and no matter how much his staff may suck,,, He and Dr Lowe are wonderful caring surgerons.

I am sorry you had a bad experience - if you have not spoken to the office manager I suggest you do. I wanted to state for others out there that Carolina Surgical does offer a free information seminar at Presby Hospital... I know its at least once a month (3rd Monday of every month) if not more and either one or both of the Drs speak at the seminar as well as answer questions. Many surgeons office do now charge program frees, personally when I saw DrMelkonian they did not but I found many others in the area did. If anybody is seeking to use Carolina Surgical I suggest you still call and speak to them and find out everything prior to a visit. I am going to ask inquire about this new program free they have and its details since I myself refer many people. I have been going to their office for 3 years in September and have always had a wonderful experience and the best care. 

I am only familiar with their office through friends.. but everyone I know speaks very highly of CSC.. However... I do know that if you go with Dr. Kuwada you are not going wrong.  He is an awesome doc.  Dr. K. did my RNY in July and just took my gallbladder out in May.. he is great.   Good luck and keep us posted on your journey.  :)

I went 3 years ago and didn't have to watch any video's. They send me all the info in the mail. And my bcbs approved in 2 days. I was in there before I had time to even really let it sink in. I had Dr. Melconian.(SP)

Amy

  I know that both Dr. Kuwada's office and Dr Melkonian Dr. Lowe's office all charge a program fee. I payed 150 to Dr k's office and then 6 months later 200 to Melkonian's office. seems to be they all charge a  fee. Like when you put your child in dance or day care .It's like a fee for ? But Anyway Carolina Surgical got me approved very fast, so I'm very happy. I think you needed more info before you got started it's too bad your left feel crappy about it all. I feel crappy about my first try too. Good luck hope you get your lap band.  Lynn

I just had my surgery in Feb and started the process in Oct or November.   I guess I am senile and don't have a clue what i had to pay (that is bad).  From others that had used Dr. Melkonian, i had decided he was the one for me and just paid whatever they asked and didn't ask.   Now that is stupid but I wanted it so bad. Hope you are happy with your new doc and i have only heard good things about him from the folks here. Pam p.s.  I would also call the office manager as others have suggested.

My surgeon's office (Dr. Moran) also charged a program fee but no one could really tell me what the fee was suppose to cover.  The closest they came to an explanation was that it covered the office staff's time for handling my paperwork and scheduling my pre-surgery appointments.  It did seem like a rip off to me because they only scheduled one appt for me (upper GI series).  I scheduled everything else and while I was very pleased with my surgeon I was not super impressed with the office staff.  It seemed like I spent more time calling the girl and keeping her on track with my stuff than anything else.  My experience was that patients get lost in the paperwork shuffle and the whole process takes a lot longer than necessary unless the patient is very pro-active and really keeps on top of things.  If I was being proactive and keeping on top of things and the office staff constantly seemed a little behind the ball, then what was the $200 covering?  Ultimately, my experience was very fast, first appt Nov 2007 and surgery on Jan 2, 2008.  However, I promise that if I hadn't been my own best advocate then the process would have probably been extended by at least 1 to 2 months.  Good Luck  Christy

Mine was $150.00 3 yrs ago, I was told it helped cut down on admin fees and it helps covers the cost for support groups, materials that are handed out and such. Made sense to me and I paid it. I was told it was refundable if I didn't have sugery there. I did so I haven't even looked back it was well worth it.  I would strongly suggest you contact the office manager as it should be refundable more so since you haven't even met the surgeon.  Good luck with the new doc. I have actually heard good things about all the doctors here in the area. I am sure you can't go wrong w/ any of them. :-)