Program Fees?

Hi, I am just starting the process. My PCP referred me to Tufts, New England Medical Ctr. Anyone have any experience with them? I have my 1st appt on April 3rd. Also, The want a $500 non-refundable program fee on the 1st visit that insurance wont cover. is this the norm? ANy help will be greatly apprciated (o: Thanks Trish

Patricia - Yes, that is the norm. I had lap band surgery at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA on January 25th and that was exactly the fee that I paid. It is well worth the $. I had no other co-pays or expenses related to the surgery, and I take full advantage of the support groups and other professional staff at Emerson. Best of luck with your decision. If you have any questions regarding the lap band, feel free to e-mail. Leslie 250/216/140ish

Thanks Leslie, Actually, I am grappling over which to have, I hear that with the Lap Band, the weight comes off much more slowly. I think I am leaning towards the other. My sister had that, as well as several friends. They all recommend it highly. But I don't know anyone personnally that has has the lapband. I also want to thank everyone for the responses, you all are great! makes me feel much better about paying the program fee. I Just wi**** wasnt so far from me, I'm in Warwick, RI. It's going to be tough to take advantage of the extras of the program with the commute to Boston. Thanks again everyone Trish

Hi, The surgeon here where I live in Wesern Mass charges $750.00. I thought that was crazy and so did my pcp so I researched and found that Dr. Fiallo at Baystate Medical Center doesn't charge anything and fills are free for now. That is the way it should be. Insurance pays enough. They have a nutritionist in the office and they have support groups. Robin

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center also has an upfront fee of 500. The bariatric clinic is great and as much as I hated to pay the 500, I know that over the years I have paid waaaay above and beyond that in my attempts to lose weight! I am three weeks post op and have lost nearly 40 pounds!! My joy over that has far surpassed my anger at having to pay a fee!!! So yes, it is very common.

Hi Robin, I go to Dr. Haag who is in the same office as Dr. Fiallo. Is this program fee becasue you don't have insurance? I still pay all co-pays for my fills. When was your surgery? And how are you doing? Wishing you the best! Katie

Hi Katie, I haven't had the surgery yet. I am done with most of my pre-op and now just waiting for all my paperwork to get to Dr. Fiallo. I don't have a program fee with him. The doctor I went to first that is in my area charged the $750.00. Dr. Fiallo just charges the copay for the fills. I drive about an hour to see him but it is worth it. How long did it take from start to finish for you? Robin

The program at Brigham & Women's has a $500 fee but you don't have to pay it until your insurance is approved. However, they won't schedule the surgery date until you pay... Kim

They must have changed their policy. When I had my surgery the program fee was due one week before surgery. I do know someone whose program fee was cut for financial reasons though... Caeli

St.Memorial has a fee of $400.00- broken into two payments. I was afraid at first that it was some kind of scam and they would take my money and not approve me. If you know that your dealing with a good program and Tufts is- then it is worth it. donna