Question:
Has Alvarado or others asked for large deposits even when your insurance is approved?

I am so upset I could cry. I got a call from Dr. Wittgrove's Office at Alvarado Medical that they need more of a down payment than before. I am insured with Empire BCBS. They pay 90% for the hospital and 80% for the surgeon. My maximum out of pocket is $2000. Alvardo first said I was to give a down payment of $2000. Then it was changed to $3600. When I stated that my max out of pocket is $2000 why now $3600 I got a call today that said actually I need to send them $7000!!! I can't believe this! Now I am told the increased amount is because since they are out of town the insurance company mails the check to me so they need me to pay $7000 and any extra will be refunded back to me when I get the check. But aren't most of Alvarado patients from out of town. I can't believe this? I called Dr. Champion's office in Alanta and they don't ask for more than $2600. What is going on with Dr. Wittgrove's office? Has this happened to anyone else? Please help me. Today I called Dr. Wittgrove's office today and was told this is their policy period. So I am so upset. I guess I will go with Dr. Champion in Atlanta. Now I need to start this process all over. This is ridiculous and really sad. Signed-Crying my eyes out in Chicagoland...    — Toni K. (posted on October 26, 1999)

October 26, 1999
Since Alvarado doesn't have a contract with your insurer, they aren't obligated to bill on your behalf. They may be afraid that your carrier won't honor an assignment of benefits, and then they would need to collect from you. You also say that your carrier pays at 90%, in most cases that is NOT 90% of the BILLED amount but 90% of what's considered "Reasonable & Customary" which sometimes is a pretty low amount. They may feel that your insurance will approve a lesser amount than they charge, and since they don't have an agreement they will look to you for the balance, this may be why they want such a large deposit. On a personal side: I live in San Diego and when I started my research I called Alvarado and when they found out I had PacifiCare (hard approval insurance) they couldn't get me off the phone fast enough! On the other hand, Pacific Bariatric also here in San Diego, has a wonderful phone person who, even though they don't accept my insurer, was able to steer me in the right direction (very caring person). I get the feeling that since Alavarado's "Carnie Wilson" celebrity WLS, they just don't have alot of time for the little guys. This is of course, all just my OPINION and PERSONAL experience! Best of luck to you!
   — Morgan B.