RNY poor.. ...DS wealthy??

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/16/01 6:22:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

boody73@... writes:

<< I'm fairly new and just starting research on the RNY vs DS, and so

far I have found that every DS doctor charges a " program fee " , even

for those patients who are going to be out of town, and not following

up with the surgical doctor. I seem to have a problem with this, or

maybe just question this. >>

Please continue checking, not all doctors have program fees.

Sheryl

[Guest guest]

Where are you? We might be able to help better if we knew what

state you were in and how far you would be able to travel.

Also, check out teaching hospitals, they typically don't charge an

upfront fee. I had my DS done in OHSU in Portland, OR, and also

considered having it done by Dr. Anthone in California. Neither of

those doctors charge an upfront fee.

Keep trying, and we'll all try to help.

Hugs,

Shelly

[Guest guest]

Dr. Anthone is another DS surgeon who does not charge a program

fee. It's not just the DS surgeons starting to add these fee's. If

you read any of the RNY lists or groups, you'll find that it's

becoming common practice for many RNY surgeons as well.. I guess

it's a trend spreading throught the entire WLS community... Good

luck to you!

heidi

http://www.mywls.com

[Guest guest]

Granted this is a much skilled surgery, but just wonder why they have

targeted it so that only the rich can afford this?>>>>

Dr Welker explained that often insurance companies do not pay them enough to

do their jobs. For example, his fee was 4500 for the surgery but medicare

only paid him 1300 so its not entirely the surgeons fault.

Judie

[Guest guest]

I just made an appt w/Dr Jossart :-D and unfortunately was told that

he does now charge a fee of $3000. :-( Last week, no fee! Bummer. If

I was misinformed by his brand new receptionist, please let me know!

Chris

> > Hello,

> >

> > I'm fairly new and just starting research on the RNY vs DS, and

so

> > far I have found that every DS doctor charges a " program fee " ...

[Guest guest]

Well hell, that sucks! Maybe Theresa can shed some light on it as

I'm close to making an appointment with Jossart too as I'm tired of

the lack of response from Rabkin's office.

Amy

> > > Hello,

> > >

> > > I'm fairly new and just starting research on the RNY vs DS, and

> so

> > > far I have found that every DS doctor charges a " program

fee " ...

[Guest guest]

Man oh man,

I'm sorry ladies, I haven't been told anything about a program fee,

infact I am sure that I was told the reverse. However, if there is

going to be a program fee, I will happily pay it, if they tell me

what their program is, and because of the excellent service I am

receiving compared to oh, lets say a couple of weeks ago somewhere

else!

I love this docor and his practice so much already...that I have

found a sense of peace regarding the whole surgery decision. I

didn't realize how adversly my prior experiences were impacting me.

That was up to and including huge anxiety attacks that i have not

experienced in 5 years!

My peace of mind is worth the $3000! I will check it out on Monday

as well as see if Dr. Jossart is ok with my starting up a message

board for his practice!

Hugs,

Theresa

> > > > Hello,

> > > >

> > > > I'm fairly new and just starting research on the RNY vs DS,

and

> > so

> > > > far I have found that every DS doctor charges a " program

> fee " ...

[Guest guest]

> Hello,

>

> I'm fairly new and just starting research on the RNY vs DS, and so

> far I have found that every DS doctor charges a " program fee " , even

> for those patients who are going to be out of town, and not

following

> up with the surgical doctor. I seem to have a problem with this,

or

> maybe just question this.

>

> Granted this is a much skilled surgery, but just wonder why they

have

> targeted it so that only the rich can afford this?

>

> I barely put a roof and keep my electric and water on. One month I

> pay the water, the next I pay the electric, to keep them from

getting

> shut off. Why is the DS only targeted for the rich people, or

those

> who are well to do? They say payment plans, but the only ones I

have

> heard discussed is $2000 split into 3 payments. And when I call I

> get the same response. It would take me 5 yrs to save up this

amount

> of money, if I'm able to then.

>

> This surgery is so much better, and I believe in it with my whole

> heart. I have been turned down for loans because of my debt/income

> ratio. It's just very sad that those who can't afford

this " program

> fee " (which I feel is lining there pockets), are forced to have a

> horrible procedure like the RNY.

>

>

>

> I just wanted to vent, thanks for listening.

Hi. I don't what area you are from. My surgeon Dr. Herron in

NY didn't charge me a feee a year ago. I don't know if things have

changed since. His # is 1-, you can give it a try. My

insurance covered the whole BPD/DS surgery...Blue Cross Personal

Choice. Hope this helps!

Good Luck, Kjay