"Had to change doctors due to my insurance. My other choices were "out of the network".
Have been visiting the website but have not met anyone from the office yet. My appointment is June 19. SO FAR AWAY!!
I had an initial group meeting with 3 other people. Met doctor for the first time, he is very knowledgeable and aware of what the insurance companies dicate. Had all my consultations done when I met the doctor one-to-one. Said there was a 90% chance he could do the operation laparascopically. Told me to make a surgery date after I got insurance approval. When i called the insurance company and got verbal approval first thing I did was call the office. They said I had to have a hard copy of the approval letter. When I received that I called the office again and they hadn't received it so i faxed it then was told when the doctor reviews the chart and gets back to me of the type of operation you will get I can book it. I said but he already told me I was probably going to get the lap RNY. The nurse said after he reviews it and gives me the go ahead I will get back to you. I asked how long that would take and she said probably 2-3 days. Well another week went by and no date it took a correspondence with another friend to find out the doctor was out of town one week and the nurse was on vacation another week. 3 weeks after insurance approval I finally got my surgery date. 43 days to surgery Aug 31, 2001 pre-op work to be done on the 29th and meet with the doctor 8-14-2001 for a history & physical. I don't think they realize how important it is to get that date and how some people stress out until they do get it.
The nurses should be crossed train so if someone is on vacation someone else can do her job. I will let you know how his bed side manner is at a later time.
The overall program the doctor has is great. We have to attend support meetings. We need to have a mental health consulor in place for after surgery as well. Although this is a good idea I am dreading the expense of $50 per visit.
I started my web search in Jan 2001 although I have considered this operstion for awhile. It is finally all coming together."
