Question:
Some surgeons charge an additional program fee (TN).

What is the purpose? Are there surgeons that do not have these charges in TN?    — Aubrey S. (posted on December 29, 2003)

December 29, 2003
I went through Bariatric Treatment Center and they do NOT require any up fron program fees. Whatever fees they have must be built into their other charges (surgeon's fee, hospital stay, etc.) because I received no bill for my lifetime follow-up that includes annual Dr. visit with surgeon, annual visit with nutritionist plus they have a phone number you can call with any questions/concerns 24 hours a day and talk to a nurtitionist or nurse. Their regular fee's are a bit steep, but well worth it.
   — Carolyn M.

December 29, 2003
The first surgeon I was consulting with had a $600 fee for his "follow up" support classes. Most of them were run by former patients and self proclaimed experts, all volunteers (so where is the cost). Another I looked into charged $1000. The one I finally picked doesn't charge a "fee" but requires a $600 deposit to schedule surgery, all fully refundable to you after insurance pays (less any amount you owe). Our nutrition class was $75, which includes one year of follow up, unlimited. Shop around. Sorry I don't know much about the TN area. Shannon
   — M. Me

December 29, 2003
I speak from personal experience. There are surgeons here in TN, in my area, who charge any where from $500-$5,000 for what they refer to as a "program fee". I was told the program fee was for follow-up visits, dietition consult and 3 visits to a gym to see a personal trainer. When I questioned the mentioned surgeon(s) about this, and informed them that my insurance covered things like follow up visits and a dietition, I was promptly dropped as a patient. I feel that these so called "Program fees" should always be covered by insurance companies and those BAD APPLE surgeons who are charging fees are taking advantage of the desperate nature of obesity and taking advantage of obese people who will do just about anything to be helped. There are no "program fees" associated with other kinds of surgeries that are considered medically necessary. It really infuriates me to no end!
   — Gina H.

December 29, 2003
Hi Aubrey: There's a surgical group in Newport Beach, CA who also charge quite a bit of money for something like a program fee. I think it's horrible. It seems like this is becoming more common just like the requirement to lose a large amount of weight preop before people can have surgery. Shop around and find a surgeon who you feel treats you the way you want to be treated. If people discontinue using these fee charging doctors they'll get the message and stop asking for things they shouldn't. But as another poster said, so many people are so desperate to get rid of the excess weight they're willing to do just about anything. That kind of situation is a breeding ground for doctors to ask for unfair things. Sigh. Sorry I'm not familiar with surgeons in TN, but honestly do try to find one who doesn't charge an additional fee. Good luck. S
   — sherry hedgecock

December 29, 2003
We had a program fee here in Florida. The amount of services my surgeon supplies is well worth the fee. Remember the insurance only covers the surgery not the kind of follow up we require. We have a full service practice avaiable. They have shopping trips to the market exercise, spiritual whatever you need. When you have your appendix out, the follow up is purely surgical. We ask more and more from our surgeons. Remember you get what you pay for, That being said, anyone charging more than the $800 is gouging. If you read these boards you can see how little knowlege and support some members have.
   — faybay

December 30, 2003
Our surgeons currently do not charge a program fee, however, we have considered it and may consider it again in the future. I have a couple of concerns regarding some of the previous posts and hope that I don't offend anyone by addressing them. Requiring moderate weight loss prior to surgery is absolutely in the best interest of the patient as it decreases the size of the liver thereby improving the visibility in the surgical field making the procedure easier on the surgeon which ultimately makes it much, much easier on the patient. Also, while bedside manner and a good rapport with your surgeon are wonderful - I'd discourage people from shopping for a surgeon who treats you the way you want to be treated and encourage them to shop for a surgeon skilled in laparoscopic/open surgical weight loss procedures with adequate experience, a good success rate and a comprehensive program. After all, we don't have to go home with them! If we have a surgeon with a high skill level AND good bedside manner that's great but let's face it - we shouldn't choose a surgeon just based on the fact that he's willing to do things the way we want them - we're not doctors. Program fees are not horrible - they are often very necessary if you have a high quality, comprehensive program. Program materials, meeting space (even if donated by the hospital you still have to pay environmental services to set up and then clean up the room), special speakers and other collaterals all cost money that is often not covered by insurance companies. Even those "self proclaimed expert volunteers" (who are often more educated in the specific area of surgical weight loss than formally educated individuals) deserve to be given mileage expenses. In a perfect world a surgeon would be able to provide a full, comprehensive program at no additional cost - and so far our program does that - but at some point a program fee can become necessary. Just make sure it's not excessive (I agree with the $800.00 approx figure) and make sure, up front, exactly what you get for your money. The previous poster hit the nail on the head when she said "you get what you pay for". Hope I didn't offend anyone. Best wishes and happy new year!!
   — ronascott