"I have been going to Dr. Blackstone's office for the past year: My six month medically supervised diet with Dr. Emershad, the psychological tests with Dr. Messer, a couple appointments Cassie Truran (their dietician) and Dr. Jennifer Kieran (bariatric surgeon), and interacted with the office staff many times. I find Scottsdale Bariatric's staff to be outstanding in courtesy and efficiency (Molly's sweet), and Dr. Blackstone inspires my utmost confidence.
I did have a couple of negative experiences with the staff. A year ago when they said I would need documentation of a six month medically supervised diet for insurance pre-authorization, they recommended I go with their program. It costs $500 and they guaranteed everything would be documented the way insurance companies require, and my insurance provider would approve my surgery or they would refund 100% of my $500.
At the end of my six month medically supervised diet, SBC told me they were wrong, and I actually needed to lose 10% to comply with insurance guidelines. A little late! My six months were done, and I had lost 18 - not the 24 I needed - plus, I had already gained the 18 back! Their business manager (who is the person that secures insurance approval) said I'd need to go back on the diet until I lost 24 lbs, paying another $50 per month until I reached the goal. She also said they only refund your money if you're denied based on something they did wrong. The 100% refund was the only reason I decided to use their doctor! Carol Cognata, their Office Mgr. came to my rescue and said we would submit it to the insurance co. the way it is. You can read the rest of the story in my profile.
Additionally, when they submitted my pre-certification packet for approval to the insurance company, they included copies of my medical history, but a summary of another patient's medical conditions. The discrepancy caused my appeal to go on for an extra three months longer than it should have. Luckily, I was persistent with the insurance company, or I would've never been approved.
Other than that, my experience with Scottsdate Bariatric has been very positive. I believe Dr. Blackstone is one of the best bariatric surgeons in the country. "
