OK, this is ridiculous.

As of January 1, I will have Anthem BCBS -- a huge improvement over Tricare Prime.  I think I can wait until then.  I am exercising and treating my body better by eating more fresh foods and watching portions size.

But THIS news shocked me today.   Dr.  Keshishian of Glendale, CA charges a $4,000 "program fee" to patients.  I am disgusted.  He is considered one of the best and yet he is involved in a practice that insurance companies find unethical and grounds for dropping him from their insurance policies.

Have all of you paid these fees?

This link shows all the insurance carriers he takes:  http://www.obesityhelp.com/profiles/bariatric-surgeon/dr-ara-keshishian/#profile_insurance

Now I know why.  If he accepts all those, he can then collect $4,000 from each of patient -- on top of what each insurance company pays.

I genuinely feel this is discrimination against the obese.  Cardiac and Cancer patients are not charged fees in addition to what insurance pays. Why us?  Because of my media contacts (I'm in PR), I am ready to write a press release, distribute it and see how the doctors feel when this info is public.  I know the insurance companies do not support doctors charging fees beyond what is covered in the policy.   This has to stop or people will die because they don't have the money.

It's a tight economy and paying $4K just to get heatlthy seems wrong.  Am I missing something? Thanks in advance for your constructive answers.

M