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Business Profile

Weight Reduction Physician

New York Bariatric Group

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Weight Reduction Physician.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for New York Bariatric Group's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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New York Bariatric Group has 2 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 13 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/07/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I went to the ******** Bariaric group in *****, **********, for a hernia operation. The doctor told me the operation could not happen until I had blood work and was evaluated by other specialists she's associated with. After complying with all the doctor's directions, we had a *************** on July 15, 2024, where I requested the operation. She said she could not do the operation until I lost fifty pounds. I asked her why she hadn't told me before sending me for blood work and other specialists, but she had no answer. Up until that point, I am not disputing any charges. A week later, her office called and wanted to set up another Zoom meeting, and I asked, "For what?" There was nothing else left to discuss. Plus, I do not want to be charged for a meeting for no reason. They insisted I meet for a quick twenty-minute Zoom meeting. I replied only if I was not charged. They agreed. We had a ten-minute meeting in which I told the doctor I would seek a second opinion. They charged my insurance company and myself for that meeting. I can't do anything about the money they charged the insurance company, but don't think I should pay the $116 out of my pocket. We had an agreement. Plus, I went to another surgeon. He spoke to me for less than ten minutes and scheduled the operation. He said it was routine, and I was perfectly fine to undergo ***** the meantime, I spoke to the Bariatric Group and filed a disputed charge review. They claimed to have made a report, but whenever they called me looking for that payment, they pretended they didn't know anything about it until I was on the phone with them for half an hour. The review states, "The patient agreed to pay for the meeting in advance." Nothing could be further from the truth. I am disputing the $116.77 they are charging me on July 25 2024 for a Zoom meeting. I told them in advance I will only agree to meet again if I am not charged.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/25/2025

      Attn: ******************************* whom it may concern,

      We are in receipt of the above-mentioned complaint.

      Focus of the complaint:

      Patient received a bill for a visit they were unaware they would have a balance for.

      Findings:

      During the onboarding of the patient in question we were advised by their insurance carrier that their Insurance plan has a 70/30 coverage. Thereby the patient would be responsible for at least a 30% after insurance paid.
      Financial forms were completed as part of the normal intake process.
      However, when reviewing the forms with the patient they were told that they did not have a financial responsibility, and the patient was never quoted a dollar amount or a percentage.

      Resolution:

      As a result of the conflicting information provided to the patient, **** will adjust off the patient portion of the services provided. $116.77
      This resolution is specific to these services, and would not take into account, future services that may be provided to the patient and a new Financial Form would be obtained.


      We appreciate you brining this matter to our attention and allowing us the opportunity to rectify any confusion.

      Should you have any further questions or would like to discuss further please feel free to contact me at the number listed below.

      Sincerely

      **** ****
      ** ************************ *** **** ********* ***** ************************************************* ********************** ******* ************ ****************************************************
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/01/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      UnansweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Date of Visit: 6/17/24 I am writing to request your assistance in resolving a billing issue I have been dealing with since ******* date, the only bill I have received was for $30. I provided proof of payment, which was made using my husband's Flexible Spending Account, and have attached it for your reference. Despite this, I continue to receive calls stating that I owe $50.I have never received any bill or documentation explaining this $50 charge, nor do I understand what it pertains to. After my June visit, the nutritionist in the office mentioned to me that she would have the copayments waived due to the circumstances of the visit, which was not a positive experience. However, this was not honored, and I decided to pay the $30 to avoid all the incessant calls I was receiving at that time. Even after making this payment, I have continued to receive calls about the $50 balance, with no explanation or clarity provided. They stated that their records show no payment made. I have been trying to resolve this issue with the company when I went to the office and the office manager, *** **** assured that she would look into this. As you can see from the emails she did not follow through.I kindly request that you help me bring this to a resolution. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated, as this situation has caused unnecessary stress and frustration.Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/26/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      At this time, I have not been contacted by New York Bariatric Group regarding complaint ID ********.

      Sincerely,

      **** ****
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/15/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On 08/2023, I contacted NYBG for a consultative inquiry as I was considering weight loss surgery. On marginal date I was connected to practice representative *** ****** who addressed questions regarding in-network coverage and the provider being assigned to me also being in coverage. I asked my questions once more as I did not want to be a patient who was hit with surprise bills. Being given the runaround, receiving inconsistent communication and cold attitudes was a running theme with many of the staff here (in the exception of 2-3) during my time with them. The issue was dire to the extent that I emailed *********************************** who in turn forwarded my complaint to **************. The worst was with *************************** and ************************* (who was reported by the former of no longer bring with NYBG) whom I sent several emails regarding statements for $734 dated on 10/23. On 10/30/24, I received a call from another representative notifying me that NYSHIP has been approved after their negotiations with NYBG. . I have been contacting the practice since 01/24 (while I was in recovery). where ************** replied to an email I sent on 1/10/24 that she will get back to me the next business day, which she failed to do. Fast forward to my call made to her on 05/15/24, ************** explicitly snarled that "we can take care of your concerns once we receive the checks form your insurance provider. I am solely seeking a resolution for the misinformation that was provided to me by **** as they failed to inform me that NYBG was in fact not out of network. The day of my surgery checking my mailbox I was then surprised with a letter form my insurance provider that my assigned surgeon was not in network also, which I asked NYBG several time to confirm and they assured that they as well as my provider was in network. I have emails which are timestamped engagement attempts that support my claim. Thank you for reviewing my complaint in advance.Respectfully Yours,*****************************

      Business Response

      Date: 05/23/2024

      In response to the patient's BBB complaint, I have outlined the facts as documented in her file, based on the initial consultation documentation provided to the patient and the response from her insurance carrier.

      **Event Prior to Surgery:**

      The patient consulted with NYBG to pursue weight loss surgery. During this process, our team contacted NYSHIP to confirm the patient's coverage for bariatric surgery. This is a standard procedure we complete to inform our patients of their coverage and in/out-of-network status.

      At the time of the patient's surgery, NYBG was, and still is, out-of-network with NYSHIP, although we are in negotiations to become an in-network provider. Therefore, in accordance with the No Surprise Act, we provided the patient with a Good Faith ******** (***) on September 27, 2023, via email, which the patient read on September 28, 2023. The *** listed a maximum out-of-pocket responsibility for the patient of $800.00.

      **Events Post Surgery:**

      Due to the out-of-network status, NYSHIP does not accept assignment, meaning all approved payments are mailed directly to the patient along with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that itemizes the services provided.

      Following our standard billing process, insurance processed payments for visits, testing, and surgery according to their allowed rates. During our follow-up, we were informed by NYSHIP, not the patient, that the following checks were issued directly to the patient:

      - Check #******** - Date: 12/06/2023 - Amount: $2,572.89
      - Check #******** - Date: 12/28/2023 - Amount: $149.60
      - Check #******* - Date: 01/01/2024 - Amount: $57,250.62

      **Total Paid to Patient:** $59,973.11

      To date, despite numerous attempts, the patient has failed to forward the above payments to NYBG for services rendered. As an out-of-network provider, we reserve the right to bill the patient for our full-service list price and have only pursued her for the payments sent to her by the insurance company for services rendered by NYBG. The only other amount due directly by the patient is the portion of her deductible that falls below the amount she was billed.

      We are still working with the patient to recoup the payment before pursuing further collection activities.

      NYBG has been in business for over 20 years, providing critical, life-changing procedures to our patients. We strive to facilitate payment even when insurance does not pay. In this case, the insurance did pay, but the patient has failed to forward the payment. We continue to work with her months after the funds were deposited.

      I hope this letter clarifies any incorrect statements the patient/consumer has reported. Should you need any further clarification from NYBG, we will be happy to comply.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/23/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

      I have replied to Ms. *********** response to my complaint upon receipt and have submitted a separate message to the BBB with the complaint number in the subject of my email to your organization. Ms. ********** has omitted key information in her response and has framed her statement in a way as if I was not responsible when I have been persistently proactive to resolve an issue that has occurred due to the companys failure to provide clear and transparent information. The statement provided regarding patient responsibility merely states that the patient is to pay all necessary costs that insurance does not cover. Again, if I have insurance that I pay for why would I go to another provider to pay once more for a benefit that I already have? I have posed this question several times to NYBG but no one has yet to take accountability for the misinformation they have provided me as a patient as far as my coverage stays with NYBG. I will be forwarding emails to my assigned complaint coordinator which will support my claims. Thank you.

       

       

       

       

      In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.


      Sincerely,

      *****************************




       

      Business Response

      Date: 05/28/2024

      Attached is the most recent statement as requested.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/28/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

      I received a statement for the balance from ************************ on May 28, 2024 which does NOT reflect the final balance without the insurance payments being applied which the company has been provided an update on May 7, 2024. Also, a remedy to resolve the misinformation that I have received from numerous people within the coming has not been proposed. I am also enclosing an article which I have expressed: 

       ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

       

      I would not want to end up like one of these patients which I already believe that I would if o would not inquire, investigate and advocate for myself within my rights. 

      Thank you. 

       

       

      In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.


      Sincerely,

      *****************************




       
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/14/2024

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      My insurance has paid for my surgery and I have paid all copays required and yet I am still getting phone calls telling me I have to contact my insurance or they will be billing me. (I have called and even mailed copies of the paid claim forms from the insurance company multiple times).

      Business Response

      Date: 05/14/2024

      ********,

      Thanks for reaching out. *********************** from our office will be in touch to explain. But, we have found the check issused to us from BCBS in an employees name and not yourself. Please see attached for reference and details below.

      On 11/03/2023, payment was finally issued. But it was sent to us with the name of patient as ************************* (employee of NYBG) not the actual patient. It has been sitting in the *** since then. It is now posted, and the account has been resolved. Our staff had no way to apply this check.

      Please consider this matter resolved.

      Thanks!

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/16/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

      They had the check from the insurance company however it was made out to the employee contact for my account. They finally put the check into my account and now my account is at a $0 balance. 


      Sincerely,

      *****************************



       


    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/13/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Date of service: 8/29/23 prior to this appointment I provided this place my insurance information and was assured the services would be covered by insurance. On 9/28 an online bill of $2662. I called billing six different times and was given the runaround such as long hold times, and being transferred to a phone where nobody answered. Finally a week later I spoke with ****, who assured me that this was taken care of, and the exhaled air analysis is in fact, covered by insurance like I was told prior to the visit, the day of the visit, and when I left the visit. I now received another bill and called again with a someone will get back to you. I feel as though Im being scammed and they are dragging their feet to then put this bill in collections, even though I am trying tirelessly to have this bill reversed. I need this bill to be dismissed considering I was instructed that I only had a $50 co-pay which I paid and no other charges would ensue. Please advise. I wouldve never stepped foot in that office if I knew this would be an out-of-pocket cost. Please ask this office for the phone records and recordings of where I spoke about my insurance on several different occasions before the appointment as well as after as proof that I was told that I would have no charges and that, in fact this was a covered service.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/14/2023

      *********,

      Thanks for reaching out and clarifying. **** is no longer with the organization and we apologize for any misunderstanding. We will be in touch on Monday to resolve. There will be a zero balance. NYBG is committed to excellent customer service, and this will be resolved. Thank you again for trusting us in your health care journey. 

       

      *******************************
      Director of Marketing Analytics and Business Development
      ****** *****************  ******* ************  **** **************************

      Customer Answer

      Date: 10/16/2023

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:  nobody called me today like promised. When I called them I was placed on hold then disconnected. I called for a second time and was sent to billing voicemail. 

      [Your Answer Here]

       

       

       

       

      In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.


      Sincerely,

      *************************************




       

      Business Response

      Date: 10/17/2023

      *********,

      Please return our call at your earliest convenience. We left you a message. We look forward to hearing from you.

       

      *******************************
      ******** ** ********* ********* *** ******** *********** ****** *****************  ******* ************  **** **************************

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/05/2023

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I had an appointment on September 1, 2023 I had a $30 co-pay I only had a $50 bill. The office was not able to supply me with any change and therefore told me if I did not make a co-pay by the 5 oclock which is the end of business I would be charged a $15 late fee. It is not stated in office you must have exact change it is not my fault and nor should I have been held or potentially accountable for the fact that they do not have appropriate change. My appointment was canceled as they refused to see me. I was denied medical care.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/06/2023

      ****,

      I left you a message. Please give me a call back when you have the opportunity.

      *******************************
      Director of Marketing Analytics and Business Development
      Phone. *****************  Mobile. ************ 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/16/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On 06/29 I contacted NY Bariatric Group for the first time inquiring about to weight loss surgery. After a series of questions made over the phone I was told I qualify for the Intragastric Balloon. An appointment was made for 06/30 with **************** and after paying the initial consultation of $150 the procedure was scheduled for 07/15 without many questions asked (not even if I was pregnant). He did inform me the following: Most of the weight with the balloon is lost between the first 3 months and after that if plateau medications will be giving to help with appetite. Please note, at the time my BMI was 27% as less then the minimum established by the *** to qualify for this procedure, since the minimum to qualify for the Balloon is between 30% and 35% BMI. At that moment my weight was 171 lbs and I am a 44 y/o 5'5" female. The fee for the procedure was $7,500 to be paid in cash or certified check (a 5% fee is charged if paid with credit card). No blood work was done prior to the procedure. Just a Covid test. the first month I lost about 8 to 10 lbs since I was literally unable to eat, sleep or even function at all. I scheduled a virtual appointment with **************** and explained to him what was happening, as I felt something was off. He said I was doing great. Weight Loss stopped and I was never able to lose any additional weight. However, by the 10 week **** since balloon placement I started calling **** since I was just a few weeks shy from the 3 months **** without seeing any additional results besides the initial 8 to 10 lbs. I lost the first month. Someone contacted me and another appointment was scheduled with an "Specialist" (*********************) that was supposed to provide the medication to aide my weight loss journey. After several appointments blood work was (Finally) done. I was told I did not qualify for Meds because I didn't have a commodity. My blood work came back all messed up I even have anemia now and the promise of medications was never fulfilled.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/16/2022

      Thank you for reaching out to express your concerns with the gastric balloon. We explain to patients in detail at consultation that there are no guarantees for weight loss and the gastric balloon is a tool. Each patient must work with the gastric balloon for optimal weight loss. This entails exercise and nutrition. Please see attached consent form that we do not offer refunds for this non-surgical procedure. Please let us know how else we can assist. We appreciate any feedback. Together, we've got this.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/17/2022

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because: 

      These forms I added N/A next to my initials.  

      Please look/read again. 

      By the way, medications were promised to be provided to help aid the weight loss and to control appetite, but these were never provided. 

       

      *********************




       
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/11/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I signed up for the Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program sometime last month. I did the consultation and initial appointment with a nutritionist. I was not satisfied with the diet pitched to me and afterwards I decided to not come back. I was NEVER told this was non-refundable. If that were the case I wouldnt have done it. I spoke to several representatives on the phone and all of which have told me I was due to get my money back within a few weeks. Fast forward to today, I call and I am told a note was put in my account that the program is non refundable. As I mentioned this was never reiterated to me and I am dissatisfied with the lack of communication regarding the refund policy. I was also not told that I had to pay in full for the program rather than pay in increments. Again, the lack of communication regarding the program was misleading. Furthermore, I would like my $1,750 back as I did the $350 consultation.

      Business Response

      Date: 08/12/2022

      *********,

      Thanks for reaching out. We apologize for any confusion related to issue of the refund. The medical weight loss program is nonrefundable and needed to paid in advance prior to start of program. This is documented on our website and explaining thoroughly by our office staff. Our policy is no refunds but we are more than happy to put the package on hold and you can restart anytime that is convenient. We can also switch to another nutritionist if you prefer. Please let us know how we can further assist. We look forward to hearing back from you.

       

      Thank you.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/04/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I schedule to perform a gastric ballon procedure and the day of the procedure I was told I had a remaining balance after paying the full balance the day of consult; I was told there was a miscommunication with the price after speaking w/ three employees prior and getting the amount I paid ($6,440). I refused to pay the amount and was told someone from billing will reach out to me in regards. A week had past with no one reaching out. I called billing and spoke with Almi, she had mention no one had contact her about my situation and she was going to reach out to the refund department. She further stated she was going to keep me updated in regards to my refund, however, that never happen. I called today and spoke with ****** she stated no one from the refund department reached out to the billing department and that she was going to put out another request. I find it extremely unprofessional that I have to go out my way and contact these people and beg to be refunded weeks later for a procedure that was not performed. This business was quick to cash the check I wrote out within days, however, cant even give me an update on my reimbursement weeks after.

      Business Response

      Date: 08/04/2022

      Thanks for reaching out ********! It's our understanding that you spoke to ******* As discussed, the refund check will be mailed today. We apologize for any miscommunication and inconvenience. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions or concerns.

      Thanks,

      ****

       

       

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