BC/BS PPO Dr. Boyce

NEWBIE!!!!!!I have an appt to see Dr. Boyce(Knoxville) on 9/4. I was wondering if any one has seen him? I also have BC/BS PPO thru comcast any advice on getting approved! Anyadvice will be helpful. Thanks

Welcome to the TN board!  You will love Dr Boyce!  I am not sure about BC/BS thru Comcast but you can go to the BCBSTN site to find out more.  Plus, the surgeon's office is fantastic about working with insurance companies.  They will know exactly what is needed.

Marilyn

Get ready to shell out some $$$
Dr. Boyce sticks his patients with a $3000 "program fee" that BC/BS won't pay for. This is addition to your copay and out of pocket. I would have had to come up with $7000 with my BC/BS when all was said and done.
My advice: shop around. Blount Memorial is now accredited by BC/BS and the program fee there is $750  
Wonderful guys there at Parkwest  I am sure, but I think they forget most people in need of this surgery like you and I have to take crappy call center jobs and can barely afford the deductable and copay, much less and extra $3,000 "program fee"

Thanks! I'm going to see my PCP tomorrow I'm going to tell her about Blount Memorial and go from there. I like the $750 better than the $3000. do you know if Blount Memorial will file your ins company?

Yes, they will, I don't know of a surgical office that doesn't. They have a website http://www.foothillsweightloss.com/candidate.html

you have to attend a seminar first, they have them every Thursday night and you can register on their site.

Best of luck and add me to your buddy list.

-Sam

I called them today. I was told that you have a $250 up front before they would even file my ins company.

That's right,  at the end of your initial consultation with Dr. Colquit or Dr. Ray you will have to pay $250. then te remaining $500 before your surgery.

I have no beef with Dr. Boyce. He is a nice man and a top notch surgeon from what I understand, my beef is with the extra charges.
You get a visit with a nutritionist. The hospital provides a nutritionist free of charge but they want you to use their nutritionist. Why? well, it's a lot more profitable if you have hundreds of clients each month paying $$$$ for someone you have on staff.

You get :a  visit with an exercise consultant. I am not sure if the hospital has one on staff, but I can get a training session with a former Mister Universe and Olympia for $150 plus the cost of gas to Atlanta and there is no one on the face of the Earth that knows more about exercise and health than he does..
Follow up visits?   Please....We(us and the insurance company) are paying nearly $27,000.00 for this surgey. All the "extras" should be included in what is charged. I am not saying the Blount County Boys are all that innocent either, part of that $750 is a 3 month membership to the Wellness Center. Any gym will give a 90 day membership free if they think they can sign you up for a contract afterward.
I just think it's wrong to stick people with an extra charge when it should be included in the service.

Hey I am a newbie at all this too. I am scheduled to see dr. williams on sept 2nd ! Are you happy with dr. colquitt and his staff ??

Yes.
Now don't get me wrong, Dr Boyce and his staff are top-notch, they just have a high program fee, and there are some insurance policies that will pay part or all of that. Mine would not pay any of it. You need to check with them, attend their seminar and ask a lot of questions. then go see some other seminars, meet the surgeons and see with whom you feel most comfortable, it's going to be a lifetime relationship.
I knew as soon as the seminar in Maryville was over that I have found the place for me, you may too. Go to their website and register and come see us.

I'm having surgery with Dr. Boyce on Sept 2nd and let me tell you.........stick with him!  Not telling you what to do and not slamming anyone but trust me when I say that I have met LOTS of folks who've went elsewhere. I paid the $3000 (yes, I had to take a second job at Home Depot to pay for it, too!) but I was told that Dr. Boyce is the best of the best. In fact, my PCP even had her surgery with him. Really evaluate what the $3000 pays for.....I have Cigna and I'm telling you that I am as impressed a H**L with Dr. Boyce's office.....I haven't had to do anything with my insurance. Good luck to you!!!