Question:
what if i change my mind,do i have to pay anything to my coordinater

im having a problem getting the 3000 dollars for the out of pocket due pre-op to my hospital.i have a beutiful family and i dont want to burden us financially with this dream of mine.were tight now.ive worked 70 hours of o.t. to get half ,but i still need 1500 and we cant afford a monthly payment for a loan.will my bariatric coordinater charge me if i back out?we are waiting on the approval from ins    — TATOO (posted on August 25, 2006)

August 25, 2006
Honestly, I'm not sure. It's probably going to be up to your surgeon's office - I would suggest asking them. I understand the financial problems...I hope you get approved! And, I know I don't know your situation, but try not to think that you're burdening your family...by losing weight and getting healthier, you'll be a better husband and father. Best wishes!
   — platypus

August 25, 2006
I had a coordinator and she required payment up front. I think it would depend on what they have done for you thus far. If they have pretty much completed everything on their end I would think they would want payment in full. That being said, however, I agree with the previous person who responded. I understand about not wanting to burden your family with medical debt. But what are your options? Do you believe you can lose the weight on your own and be there for you family long term without health issues taking away from the family? Obviously you had thought about this hard before starting your journey so this must be important to you. Try to figure out a way for it to happen. There is no better gift you can give yourself or you wife and children than making yourself healthy.
   — patgels

August 25, 2006
Are there other programs in your area? In our area, there a dozens of programs, but I only know of one who charges this fee. The others charge more like $25 up front for the seminar, and then, of course, you pay your ins.. deductible and/or co-pay.
   — vitalady

August 25, 2006
Chris, where are you located? We might be able to suggest other Bariactric Programs in your area. A friend of mine went to a Surgeon which charged $1000.00 up front and another $5000 in addition to what insurance was paying her. Well when Medicare started only Approving WLS's at only facilities that had received the "Center of Excellence Awards". This surgeon sent all of her medicare & Managed Medicare pateints packing to the only Surgeon who had the award at the time in the Pinellas County, FL. area. And refused to refund any ammount of a Refund. The other Surgeon only charges $25.00 up front for the actual Orientation.
   — Michael Eak

August 26, 2006
I can't figure out the coordinator. I did not have one. I can't understand why it isn't being taken care of at the surgeon office. And didn't have to pay up front. I am now making payments. I had mine done in Evergreen Park, IL.
   — geneswife

August 28, 2006
I had to pay mine right with each visit. It would not be fair if the person did the work for you and did not get paid, would it?!
   — Novashannon

August 28, 2006
I don't know what a co-ordinater is..But I went thru Barix and the only upfront payment was $85 for my first consult. they did all the insurance stuff for me, Got me approved really fast. And didn't bill me for my co-payment until 4 m onths post op and took a payment plan on that.
   — **willow**