Program Fees

MacMadame
on 12/9/08 3:01 pm - Northern, CA

Their program fee one of is the highest I've seen on the boards, actually, but I think it varies based on the surgery and other choice so I don't know exactly what it is.

But as a self-pay, I paid 16890 for my sleeve and that's the cheapest price in this area that I found (well, from a surgeon I was willing to have cut me up, of course).

It was the fact that their self-pay prices are completely reasonable that made me re-think program fees. Plus when I saw how much staff there is involved in the after care, the businesswoman in me realized that you don't get that kind of program for nothing.

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jj_in_CA
on 12/9/08 12:17 pm - Gualala, CA

RNY on 07/09/08

Welcome to CA boards!

Yes, I had a fee. My doctor believes in after surgery care because it increases the chances of being a successful WLS patient. The fee was for any number of visits I need over the next 3 years with the dietitian, psych person or the doctor. The amount I paid is what my insurance wouldn't pay. I plan to avail myself of the services too! lol

---jan---

---jan---

GoingMobile
on 12/9/08 12:29 pm - San Dimas, CA

VSG on 06/04/08

IMO these fees are ridiculous. They are supplementing what the insurance pays and most insurance companies frown on this practice. I would look for another Dr that doesn't have af ee or a very small fee, if any. I didn't have a fee and his regualr fees that were covered included 3 months of follow up and support group.
I was originally going with a different Dr that had a 5500. fee that alone scared me away. SHOP AROUND

Janine J.
on 12/9/08 5:53 pm - The Beautiful Desert, CA

RNY on 07/10/02

Hey welcome to the boards Doc. I do not know about fees. I paid 7 grand up front for my surgery because my doc was out of network. Back then there was not a lot of choice where I could get surgery. It's all good in the big picture. You need to shop around for doctors and go with one you are comfortable with and not based on fee's. Good luck!

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” –Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981).

ShellsBells
on 12/10/08 2:24 am - Vallejo, CA

RNY on 05/07/08

Welcome to the boards!

My surgeon had a fee, and when I was initally looking at the paperwork they have me it stated that my insurance company would not be covering the fee, however when I was sitting down with the surgical coordinator I found out that because I had an HMO they WOULD be covering the fee. It was $1250.00.

Keep looking around and make sure you ask for absolute clarification on everything!

S

Check out my blog!

Samaro ..
on 12/10/08 7:29 am

Ah, I see you are looking at getting a DS. The only DS surgeon in California who does not charge a program fee is Dr. Crookes in Los Angeles. The rest of the DS surgeons have a program fee and it varies from doctor to doctor.

DiAnna T.
on 12/11/08 9:17 am - MT born and raised and now in, CA

DS on 08/14/08

Hello, I paid $7500 whi*****ludes lifetime follow-up care. But I wanted Dr. Cirangle as he is one of the best when doing DS. I talked with the nurses at the hospital ( a litlle nurse-to-nurse talk) and they stated that he not only stapled but then came back and sutured the incision. Also they saw that his patients had the fewest complications after surgery along with fewer re-admits compared to other MD's. See ya on the DS board.

'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid insideways ... half a bottle of vodka in one hand ... a fat cigar in the other... a body thoroughly used up and totally worn out ... and screaming;'whooooohooooo what a ride'!' HW/251 SW/242 CW/134 GW/140 WOW!! 117# Gone

MacMadame
on 12/11/08 12:52 pm - Northern, CA

VSG on 09/24/08

When I was being prepped for my surgery, the nurse was singing Dr. C's praises. It was nice to hear when you are about to be slice & diced.

I decided early on in the process that I wasn't going to make my decisions based on money as long as the surgeons I looked at were in my basic budget (which was 20k or less). I had heard too many horror stories about people getting bad care or no follow-up and I figured it was more important to pick someone I had completely confidence in and who had excellent stats.

HW - 225 SW - 191 GW - 132 CW - 122
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doc1857
on 12/11/08 1:19 pm - Elk Grove, CA

RNY on 02/26/09

Well I guess I will find out soon, I have an appointment with Dr. C. in Sacramento on the 19Th.

Thank you All for Your Wisdom
Doc

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Program Fees