Nutritionist Fees at Dr. Shina's.

Hi, Sherry, I have my consult and seminar on Oct 5. I haven't got my packet yet, but I assume all I have to bring is my $15 copay and possibly the $75 for the nutritionist. U can bet I am going to call them Monday and see what all I am going to have to pay out of pocket. I have insurance but nutritionist aren't covered. It looks like though if she is in with Dr. Shina then she would be under the copay I pay him, but I don't know. I can't believe u had to pay that and just talk to her down the road. Did they tell u what the other $75 is for? Good luck to u as well. My insurance carrier is Great West. If u find out more about any other fees we have to pay, let me know. My email is [email protected]. Thanks Angela

I had my surgery June 25 and I had to pay the $400 upfront. At the time I thought it was a complete rip-off. I bet they have been losing patients to other doctors because they don't charge these astronomical fees. I have heard other doctors include the nutritionists as part of their service to their patients. It may pay in the long run to look for another doctor.

You might have a point there, Barb, I have only considered Dr.Shina since deciding to have surgery because I have heard that he is the best, but I may look in to this. I have heard also that other doctors don't charge these fees. Thanks, Barb. How are u doing from your surgery by the way? Angela

Hi Angela, I was going to go to Dr. Shina and have the RNY, but decided out of it, and I have medicare, and they do not cover the nutritionist. She was going to cost me $75.00 up front. So I would assume it would be the same. Lydia

Hey, Lydia, I guess that is what I am going to have to pay. I thought about finding another surgeon whos nutritonist didn't charge that but, my husband and I both feel since we have heard so many good things about Dr. Shina and we know he accepts our insurance that I will hang loose and go with him. I don't mind paying out that $75 if its worth it and by that I mean, if I actually get to see her and talk with her. I have read some post where others have said that they didn't even see her, that she just called them on the phone. Oh, well hopefully this $75 is all I have to pay besides my copays. I don't know what my copay of the psych eval will be, my insurance is Great West PPO and they said they pay 90% of what ever it is and I pay the rest. Did u find another Dr, Lydia? A friend of mine has that ins and she goes to Dr. Jeffery Allen. Thanks for your reply Angela

Angela, To save on the $75, you could see if you can see a different nutritionist then theirs. I saw a nutritionist at my local hospital, Jewish Hospital of Shelbyville, and it only cost me $35. My insurance didn't cover any of it. Just a thought. Good luck with everything. Carolyn

It has been almost one year that I had my surgery with Dr. Shina. I do remember paying some type of fees for a nutritionist. I remember her only because of the seminar. I haven' seen her since. I also had to pay other fees but don't remember the exact amount. I will have to look it up.