$500.00 pre-op class

In some regions of the US (west coast, especially), this is very common.  Others, not so much.  Some call them "program fees", also not covered by insurance.  You can always shop around and see what other local docs are charging (or not).

Mine had a $500 program fee, also not covered by insurance. It also covers lifetime appointments with dieticians, the monthly postop support group, etc. It was mildly annoying, but a good value in the end.

Hmm thought it was a scam till everyone else said they had a similar experience. No program or consult fee here.

That was why I asked in the first place. I don't see the point except to line someone's pocket. Or that maybe the doc has a pool payment. Then again we are on the coast of Oregon, no pools here, just go to the beach.

I had to pay $350

Mine is 625.00 :)

Some surgeons charge a "program fee", but I'm not sure how "normal" it is.  My surgeon didn't charge one, none of the surgeons in my town charge one, and none of the surgeons that I work for (who are several towns south of where I live) charge one.

Lora

I didn't have one and I don't think I would go to a surgeon who charged one. They get the amount they contracted for with the insurance co and if there was another surgeon in town I surely would go to that on. Of course assuming they were equally competent. I'd definetaly shop around if there is more than one surgeon.

There is no other surgeon as qualified as my Dr anywhere within 200 miles of here. In fact people come from all over to have my Dr do their surgery. Even from out of state. I went to a support group meeting tonight and found out that I will be getting a lot of supplies. Protein and vitamins etc, as well as a lot of info. There won't bea charge for the aftercare counseling for the nutritionist and the Dr's nurse will give out her cell phone number for me to call 24/7. She told me this herself tonight. She had WLS 15 years ago by my same Dr. She also has 9 family members who has had my Dr do their WLS too. All have very good success and no complications. None of the other 12 people at the meeting tonight had any complications either. One lady had lost over 185lbs. Wow! So I guess piece of mine is worth $500.00.

The first surgeon I saw wanted a $5700 program fee. My surgeon does not charge a program fee but does require that his patients purchase their pre-op protein drinks and vitamins from him.  A total cost of just over $400.  I felt this was fair.