This is not a question, rather a warning to those having WLS.

I just want to warn others that there are doctors out there that think they can take advantage of those seeking WLS. Recently, I had such an experience. I was refered to Dr. Brightwell in Columbus Georgia for VBG. At my first appointment he said that I was not a candidate because my BMI was 36, I am 5'8" and weigh 237. He did say that if I was truly interested that he would write the letter for approval. I did get approved in two short weeks. So, we started making all the appointments for pre-op testing. Around that same time the office manager/wife told me that I would need to put up a deposit of $600.00 and that I would need to sign a "Waiver of Fees", well this sounded fishy to me. Luckily, the customer service person from BCBS called to make sure that I had everything in order. I then explained what the doctor's wife said and she said that I should not sign anything that he has a contract and that he must abide by that contract. Well, I was not exactly sure what she meant by the "waiver of fees" so the next day I went by the office to pick up some other forms and also pick up the waiver. What they wanted me to sign was a legal document that would guarntee him his full fee. I was to be responsible for whatever the insurance company did not pay. I came home, called the insurance company, then faxed them a copy of his waiver. They called and told me that I would have to call the doctor and refuse to sign the waiver and refuse to pay a deposit that was greater than my co-pay. I called the doctor's office and did just that, thier reply was "that was their policy and they were not changing it for me" I told her to cancel everthing and she said okay. I then called the insurance company and told them that they were not willing to change their policy. So BCBS took it from that point, they contacted the doctor and reminded him of his contract, of course his wife told the insurance company that I would not have to sign the waiver and that they would work with me on the deposit. I told the insurance company that there was no way that I would put my life into the hands of a doctor like that. So, I decided that if I wanted the surgery that I would have to go to another city. Dr. Edward Waits is now my surgeon, he had been wonderful and he knows that no matter what he charges the most that he will get is what the insurance company states is Customary and Reasonable! So please make sure you do your homework! When making the first appointment ask wha their policy is regarding fees!

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