Help! Confused In Florida!! - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

Native2u · 09-08-2007, 11:54 AM

Very well said Zenomia!

Thanks for the awesome and very truthful advise. I will be calling my insurance company on Monday morning! I also have an appt with my primary care phys on Thurs (9/13)...and you better believe, that I'll be talking to him as well.

I just find it very hard to believe that the Doctor isn't willing to bend for me. In live in Brevard County in Florida and our County is very huge....the town that I live in, is 42 miles long. I know to get out of our County going South, there is about 1.5 hours drive....going North, about 45 mins/1 hour.

I thought that same thought the minute he said that there was 1-psyo & 1-nutritionist......I think/know that he is getting a "kick-back" from them. I know that there are others around us..in both professions.

CindyWho · 09-10-2007, 09:35 AM

SEMINAR + $3700 = ??????

This whole thing sounds funny. I had WLS almost 3 yrs ago and had an HMO. I had to go through all the prequalifing stages that a person has to go through. But know where did they try to sock me for an administration fee. I realize that every doctor is different, But I would advise you to look around if that is an option. My Surgeon told me that my surgery could run upto 30k depending upon variables ( meds,ext. hospital stay, complications etc.) my surgery cost 22k plus office visit copays. I possibly have the medical breakdowns if any one is interested. Good luck

CindyWho

Native2u · 09-10-2007, 10:38 AM

Thanks Cindy!

The more and more I talk to people, the more & more I realize. Amazing!

I don't think that he can't do the surgery...but, he isn't looking too good espically now that I know he sounds like he is really ripping people off. That isn't fair to anyone.

gina0922 · 04-18-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Native2u

I just returned from the seminar that my doctor held. Everything sounded really good and the fact that I have Aetna (PPO) was a bonus. I know that I have to tops, wait 6 months for surgery....but then again, maybe not. I have been dieting for over 20 yrs and my current General Doctor has a 5 year history on me...diets included.

Here is the question....They were going over fees and such and one of them really caught me by surprise.

Besides your out-of-pocket expense (co-pay only), did anyone have to pay an Misc. Admin fee??

They said..and after the meeting I asked again, just to make sure I heard it right, that not only do I pay my co-pay, but that I would also have to pay an Admin fee of $3700.00. I would think that would be included with the whole bill that they (Dr) sends to the Insurance Co.

What do you think???? My husband thinks that I should be calling around and asking other Dr's if they have any "hidden" fees.

Just out of curiosity, were you at the seminar in Melbourne? I went to a seminar there for Dr Fusco and that was the same amount he quoted. I have decided to see Dr Jawad in Ocala. He is in my network and he doesn't have a "Program Fee" he charges only $250 for the initial consultation and for the insurance ladies who do all the legwork to get you approved. However it is non refundable if you are not approved. This is the same for Lapband or the RNY.

Native2u · 04-19-2008, 07:54 AM

I also am going to Dr. Jawad in Ocala. I'm was going to go for Lap-band, but after attending his seminar.....I'm going for RNY. Last Monday I submitted all of my paperwork and my $250 was paid two week prior to submitting the paperwork. I'm hoping to have my surgery in June 2008. I can't wait to start my "new" life and find ME again! I really liked the staff at Dr. Jawad's office, they are very informed.

I felt that Dr Fusco was more of a "sales person", than a Doctor. His fees were out of this world, compared to everyone else. I wish that there was a way to warn other people that decide to use him. It just makes me to mad when Doctors rip off patients.

Matter of fact, my insurance company wants me to turn him in for fraud.....for charging patients so much. My insurance company said that his fees are outrageous.

fisher1000 · 04-19-2008, 08:00 AM

$3700 is a lot of dough for "administrative purposes..." I think my total out of pocket, with copays and all was about $45. In essence, the surgery cost less than the expensive protein I bought afterward! Insurance covered everything else.

I would ask point blank why that $3700 isn't being billed to the insurance company, and then I would find another doctor. It sounds like this one is funding a condo in the Keys...JMHO...

-Mike

Native2u · 04-19-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher1000

I would ask point blank why that $3700 isn't being billed to the insurance company, and then I would find another doctor. It sounds like this one is funding a condo in the Keys...JMHO...

-Mike

I did ask what the $3700 was for.....and they sent it written in an "EMAIL".....that is why my insurance company wants me to turn them in for fraud (and milking patients).

I did move on. I choose another Doctor......Dr. Jawad in Ocala. His fees were $250. Way more reasonable.

Duckie · 04-19-2008, 09:08 AM

Did you turn them in? I HOPE SO! That is wrong. Taking advantage of people desperate for this surgery.

Native2u · 04-19-2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckie

Did you turn them in? I HOPE SO! That is wrong. Taking advantage of people desperate for this surgery.

I haven't turned them in yet. I still have all the paperwork from their office, including the email. I'm still going back and forth on that subject. I don't like to see people being ripped off.....but then, do I really want to get involved? He is getting paid really good for the surgeries that he does....like I told my hubby when I got home....."we would be making a "Porsche" payment for him and if everyone pays that same $3700 fee, he can pay cash for the car".

I just wish that I could talk to everyone that goes there, before & after they hear his "speech". I promise you that he sounds just like a salesman, instead of a Doctor that is going to operate of you.

I wasn't comfortable with the thoughts that I was having that is why I went elsewhere.

Duckie · 04-19-2008, 09:35 AM

Honestly, all you have to do is turn over the information. They will do an investigation from there. Not much to "get involved in". Heck. If you don't want to turn him in, send me the stuff.. and I WILL!