Upfront fees from Surgeons and psychologists when insurance will cover.

I had thought about using Dr Gonzales, but he requires 250.00 upfront and you have to use his psycholgist Jeffery Smith who has to have 500.00 upfront! Any suggestions? My insurance is blue cross and they will cover everything. It seems all surgeons I've checked into use Jeffery Smith! I hate to have to pay an upfront fee when my insurance will take care of the bill! Thanks, Bobbie

I think most all surgeons have some amount of up front due to the nature of the problem and how hard it is to get some insurance companies to pay. Mine explained their upfront fee will be applied to your co-pay and/or deductible. They said the reason they request the 250 is that some patients when they get denied don't even want to pay for the initial evaluation which the doctor has already preformed or the time and energy that the insurance department put into fileing for approval. Therefore, I feel that 250 is acceptable. The part I have a problem with is when the surgeon insist that you go to a certain psychologist to me this is pocket stuffing and should be illegal. My surgeon said that if I have a psycharist already that he will send them a form that ask all the things that they and the insurance company need to know about me. Afterall who knows me better so person that has meet me twice and made me fill out some silly 50 question "test" or someone who has been treating me for well over 3 years and knows how I think and operate. I hope that this has helped you to understand. There are surgeons in the state that don't push you to their "chosen" co conspirators. Annette

Hi Bobbie, I have BCBS (NC) as well. Your total out of pocket will be around $1850-$2000 total. This is counting the $350 deductible and the $1500 co-pay maximum (your maximum may vary - check on the bottom right hand side of your BCBS statement). The upfront costs will generally count toward these, or you may get a partial refund when you submit your paperwork to BCBS.

Thanks for the well wishes, I wish you all the luck . Let me know how it goes. Good Wishes, Sherry

"LEESBURG BIKE FEST"........thats where we're riding too. Gonna have a blast........its not suppose to rain this time. Fogghat is performing that night. Shinning up the bikes tonight to get ready.

Just riding around town, I wanted to get to Leesburg for the bike fest, but I couldn't get away from work long enough.

Ps I just posted some pix from the Stonehenge ride towards the end of my profile if any one wants a peek... had one %$#&@!!! almost run me down .. but my ever watchful eyes saw it coming and was able to avoid it.. Safety always first and foremost !

Angel; The 'Henge looks pretty awesome. Glad you were able to use some of that MSF knowledge and avoid the moron that was gunning for you. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 178 / 137