New patient appointment

Hello, I'm new to the board, and have my new patient appointment scheduled for next Wednesday. I've searched the website for some answers to my questions, but this is a huge group, full of support, and I love it! Except, it's a bit overwhelming. I'm hoping posting a few questions here will garner some answers.

1. Cost - Will I need to pay my co-pay each time I visit for appointments such as new patient appt along with the various other appointments? My insurance company requires 6 months of medically supervised weight loss effort, will I need to pay each time I meet with a nutritionist? My goal is to lose weight during the 6 months so I don't need surgery.
2. Post op after care - If I do need surgery, I don't have anyone to take care of me at home while I recover. I'm kind of a loner, no family (that cares anyway), I have a friend, but I wouldn't think of asking her to care for me. Who will take care of me?

Ok, I guess those are the two pressing questions I have right now. 

Thank you for reading. I'm nervous as heck to proceed with my appointment, but I know I have to.

Michelle

Cost is a question to ask your insurance company, since they each bill it differently. If your visits are being coded for a specialist, or just a general checkup, or if they're calling it bariatric and your insurance has a plan for that, they could all work out differently.

Post op, many people are OK by themselves. If you're flying solo, it's super helpful to have someone on-call in case of emergency, like a friend or neighbor, just in case you need something picked up from the pharmacy or if you fall and can't get up. Otherwise if you stock your pantry and medicine cabinet in advance you'll be fine.

First, try to relax and enjoy your appointment - you're taking a positive step and that's something to be happy about!

As far as what you'll pay, definitely check with your insurance, every plan is different.

Definitely mention to your surgeon that you are alone, they might be able to refer you to a home health agency for at least a week or 2 (I'd guess) once you are home from the hospital.  A home health person is someone who would come visit you each day and help out with things like getting bathed, dressed, laundry, etc.  Of course, this too will depend on your insurance!

Good luck!

Michelle you can ask for in home care person to come in your home to help you and maybe that good friend of your can be an on call emegancy person just in case I wish you well 

Great suggestions about post op after care. Thank you. I will take my time to enjoy the process. I just know I struggle to make ends meet now, so I want to be a bit prepared and avoid the "sticker shock".

I did receive a sheet with CBT codes, etc. I think I'll wait until after my appointment Wednesday before I get ahead of myself.

Again, thank you. I'm excited to begin my journey!!!

Michelle

The insurance specialist at your surgeons office may be able to help you figure out what the costs will be.  If there is something that they can't answer for you, then definitely call your insurance company to see what they can tell you.

Good luck!

I received my new patient paperwork in the mail today. I can't help but feel a little scared about surgery. I'm really hoping I can go through the 6 month program and not need surgery.