Question:
Of the three surgeons in my area who are best known for gastric bypass, one is no

longer a BCBS provider, the second has just dropped BCBS as a provider, and the third told me he is probably going to do the same. Apparently, they don't want to be network providers because they charge much more than BCBS allows and if they are network providers they are contractually obligated to accept the insurer's payment as full payment.This leaves us, the patients, with a a huge bill for the surgery. Has anyone else been finding this with their surgeons?    — Arlene S. (posted on September 27, 2002)

September 27, 2002
Yes, I did find the same thing with one of my surgeon's. I was approved and waiting on a date and he dropped a 4500.00 fee on me that had to be paid in addition to my insurance's payment. Long story short, he is no long a BCBS provider and I am looking for a new surgeon.
   — LM O.

September 27, 2002
This is true. I went out of network to use my doctor and BCBS only pays 70% of the ALLOWED amount, which ended up being only about 2900.00 of the 6-7,000.00 Other insurance companies pay more.
   — Michell C.