Question:
Has anyone had Dr. Afram perform surgery ?

Has anyone had Dr. Afram perform their surgery? What was the hospital stay like at Columbia Hospital for Women? I'm confused! Dr. Afram's office said that my out of pocket expenses would be $1250.00 but he requires a $1,000.00 deposit before he will do the surgery. Does that mean that I have to meet my deductible on top of that $1,250? I have BCBS Carefirst PPO.    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 24, 2001)

June 24, 2001
I too have BC/BS Carefirst. With my plan I don't have any deductible just the co-pay. Dr Afram is also my doctor and I too wondered about the 1250.00 you pay up front- It's broken down like this so far for me. A 100.00 went to the nutrionist when I saw her for the nutrion part. A 150.00 goes with your psych test when you send it away to be evaluated. The 1000.00 covers all post-op follow up visits with Dr. Afram. I know Dr. A has alot of patients on this site so you should get a lot more reponses. Don't forget to check out Dr. A's on-line support group. You can find it on the obesity center's web page. Good luck and keep in touch-debi mumaw
   — Deborah M.

June 25, 2001
I had surgery with Dr. Afram - the care at COlumbia Hospital for Women was EXCELLENT. There is no ER and no old sick nursing home people, no gunshot woulds, etc. , so I feel it is a cleaner environment and the care was very good. As for the $$, it seemed like a lot up front, compared to other docs, but it covers lots of followup care, and I have never received a bill from him. You will have to pay whatever your insurance requires for ultrasound, blood work, etc. I don't know about your deductable, Your out of pocket ($1,250 like he said) comes from your deposit - its the same $1,000 dollars, plus the nutritionist (100) and psych test (150). I have BCBS Federal. Good luck. Dr. Afram has been great to me.
   — M. A. B.