Program Fee for WLS?

We have recently relocated to the Clearwater area from North Carolina, Husband is in the military. We have Tricare Prime and I was approved in North Carolina to see a surgeon. I attended the seminar and had begun to test for the surgery. Then they dropped the bomb that it would be an additonal $600 for Program Fees. We recieved orders to move the following week. So, my question is....What are normal fees and can you lend any information on doctors who have no or reasonable program fees in Florida or the surrounding area of Clearwater/Tampa. Thanks in advance.

Sorry, I"m in Tallahasee so I can't help with docs in your area, but wanted to welcome you to FL. Good luck on your journey! Vickie J.

Hey girl, you're already back to typing!!!! Sarah

Thanks for the big Welcome Vickie!

Hello & Welcome to Florida. About program fee's I have went to a few surgeons & there was one who had a $600 program fee + you HAD to use there PSYC. dr. which was another $400 "not covered" by ins. ($1000 total out of pocket BEFORE surgery) I choose NOT to go with him because I could not afford that. I kept looking & found a great one who has a $300 fee, which is refundable after your ins. pays....which I liked much better. I can't tell you 1 DR from Clearwater, but I'm know there are some on this board who can help you with that. So IMO.. I don't like the program fee's

Julie, I was totally inspired by your story and updates! You are one of those who make this process feel like a dream come true. It stinks when you feel whats on the inside, does not match the outside. Thanks!

Congrats on the move!! I know some surgical practices charge these fees not covered by insurance..if you're interested to know Surgical Associates of Marion County does NOT charge any fees...not even post op visits for a year after surgery. They are located in Ocala...so if u want to save some money and are wiling to travel for 1hr...give them a call and see what happens (352) 368-2828, speak with Patrice. Best of luck to you in your search!

Mandy, Welcome to Florida and the FL OH board! I was going to say that I know that Dr. Overcash (Marion Co.) doesn't charge any upfront fees to those with Tricare Prime. Not sure about others but Ruth says no program fees and she is way smarter than me! Anyway Welcome and hope you get things underway and find a great doc soon! Kathy

THANKS RUTH AND KATHY!!!!!!!!! What a great big relief! I am calling them as soon as I get a chance! I am SOOO excited now. And I didn't think I could get anymore excited. My new quote for my life is. "Starting OVER!" I tell myself that daily.

First Mandy & your family, Welcome to Florida and our little corner of Paradise! What area of Carolina/Virginia were you from? I'm originally from Va.Beach. And been here in Clearwater since 5/92. But to helping you now.....Which of the WLS are you pursuing? RNY or Lap Banding? I use Dr.Rehnke (Surgeon) at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St.Petersburg. He & the Hospital are designated as "Centers of Excellence" and accepts all insurances except Medicaid. Our monthly gastric bypass meeting is Saturday, November 18th, at 2:30 pm. The meeting is located in the professional building behind the Palms of Pasadena Hospital. The meeting will be held in the first office building (not the one where Dr. R office is) and the address is 1609 Pasadena Ave - St. Petersburg, FL. The format will be: first 15 minutes (+/-) patients will get to tell their stories to prospective patients. Then the groups will be seperated with Dr. Rehnke talking to individuals researching WLS and the other group will be our patients. And we also have a large select clothing exchange too. The next Lap Band Seminar is Tonight at the Holiday Inn at 3535 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater near the Clearwater/St.Petersburg Airport. At 7 PM. Their website is: http://www.obesitynomorefl.com/index.html I also attend several others Support Meetings throughout the Tampa Bay area And am planning on Starting a OH Support Group for ALL Surgeries at the Clearwater YMCA in Janruary 2007. So call me if I can help you, Mike 727-461-2635