Money up front with Ins.

I was just reading on my state board (Tn.) that some people have to pay a set amount up front to the surgeon even with Ins. coverage.  Did anyone here have to do this?  I have Cigna POS open axcess,State of Tn.  Should I contact my Ins. or my surgeon's office to ask about this?  I have about 6 wks left on my 6 month Dr. supperviced diet, so have not had my first consult with the surgeon yet. Thanks,  Susan O' 

Hi, The surgeon I'm going to use requires a $300.00 deposit to be applied to your copay, if there is any left over he will refund.  Also, they gave me a paper that states if I need family leave or disability paperwork filled out it would be a $35.00 charge. There was another surgeon that I had been planning to use who was much closer to my home but his intial screenings are done by this WLS center which you have to join.  They have a $2000.00 fee not covered by insurance.   If you don't join you don't see this surgeon.  I thought this was a rip off. Believe me if there's a will there's a way and they'll find it. Good luck Josie

I would check with your insurance company. I have a maxium out of pocket of $2,000 so what my Dr is doing is I have to pay $1,000 the day of my surgery and the $100 a month until I reach my maxuim. So depending on my other medical expenses I should only have to pay them a few more months after my surgery. Best of luck Jen