Blaqfyah

So I got my surgery date...2/20/07. But one issue I'm having is the $1850 clinic fee that I have to pay. I know that I want the surgery but I can't get over how much I have to come out pocket. I have to pay $350 for a psychological evaluation...because I they won't except one from a Psychologist contracted with my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal PPO). The same insurance company that's going to pay for the procedure. The other $1500 is in a clinic fee. But I'm not really sure what thats for. I really don't go there and don't particiapte in any activities. I do plan on going to the groups but they are in the middle of my work day.

My doctor is suppose to be awesome and his clinic is a "Center of Excellence" but so is the hospital that I am have the surgery at. I am now looking into just switching to an equally excellent doctor at the hospital. I don't think he has an fees...at least not this steep.

Please let me know what you are thinking.

I will say I was aware of the fees at the beginning of the process. And that is why i set up a flexible spending account. I've put away the money to cover the fees. The only problem is, I still have to pay them out of pocket first and then get reinbursed for it later (about 3 days later). But HELLO I don't have the money to pay in advance to be reinburse. It is a very cruel circle. So If I don't come up with $1850 with in 2 1/2 weeks then I won't be able to have the surgery .

Sorry for the long post.

So has anyone else had to pay fees for the surgery.

__________________
Carline

223/157/150
Pre-op/Current/Goal

I will be doing my surgery with Dr. Afram in Washington DC.
http://www.obesitycenter.org

Information session with Dr. Afram (Nov 06)
Medical Consultation with Dr. Afram (Nov 06)
BCBS Fed PPO approval on 1/26/07
Psychological Screening (2/7/07?)
Nutritional Consultation (2/14/07?)
Support Groups (Every Wednesday up to and after surgery)
Pre-OP Tests (1/30/07)

SURGERY DATE (2/20/2007)