"I like Cape Fear because it is very up to date and clean. I know alot of people that work there. These folks are great and would not work at a place if it is not great too."
"Update: 9/24/02
My NEW surgeon is Dr. Davidson of Fayetteville, N.C. I seen him on the 9/5/02.
He seem really nice and very informed. A good friend recommemded him. Anyway at least I am home with the surgery instead of in Wilmington, N.C. Their office is of course State-of-the Art. There was no wait once I got there. So, don't expect to have to be there all day like at other places. Maybe just 1 or 2 hours. But there is alot of paper work to fill out. Maybe a phone to them and the will send it out to you before your visit. Otherwise bring all your info with you. You will have to also go to Health Plex a division of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for a exercise program before surgery. It is only $55 for 6 weeks @3 times a week. (your insurance may pay for it they will file it to them) It is truly a wonderful place (brand new). He is doing the Lap Rny now. He is one of the TOP surgeons in town. He wants you to see a dietician,and have chest x-ray, pulinmary test, EKG, blood tests before surgery. But all this can be done durning the time before surgery usally about 4 to 5 weeks later. It will help to have your PCP do things ahead of time like my did. Your surgery date could be sooner. But, I picked my own date of 10/14/02. Will update later! This has been a long road for me I started this in June of 2001. Below is some of my old story.
My appointment date is Jan. 16,2002. Just around the corner. I will follow up afterwards.
01/25/02
Well, my husband and I went to Wilmington to see Dr. O. This was a Wednesday and I understand that is new patient day. There were no parking spaces available, so we parked accross the street at another Dr's office. Hope they didn't mine (they didn't seem to need the space).
I live about 1 and 1/2 hours from the office. The office building was very beauitful, big, and very clean. The staff was very nice, helpful, and very busy. Expect to be there 3 or more hours. I got there @ 10:30am, my appointment was @ 11am. I left between 1:30 and 2pm.
Bonnie (she has had the surgery and looks great)comes around in the waiting area to talk to you about your insurance and what they require for approval or need to be considered for the operation. My insurance is CIGNA HEALTHCARE OF N.C. They require that you have been under a supervised diet by your PCP Dr. Just so happens I have been.
So, Bonnie wanted that Fax to her from my Dr. and also labs that I have done lately that include Thyroid test results.
A nurse name Pam called me the day before my appointment to get some history from me. She was very nice. She was also the one that weigh me in, took by blood pressure, and all.
When you go make sure you take your medication with you. Also, prior to going take time to set down and write all the diets, time frame you were on them, dates, weight loss, weight gain back, (yes or no) under a doctor's care or on your on, and a list of what is going on with you health wise. I wish I had done this because my mind just went blank. It will make filling out the paperwork alot easier.
Dr. O was nice and in a hurry (but he sees alot of patients). He asked me a few questions and was very serious. He is very professional. I liked him alot. Then he gives a class on what kind of surgery he does, aftercare, and what you can expect. Then he will answer all your questions. He will then introduce his nurse Sara, she was nice and answered lots questions too.
Sara seems to think that my insurance is pretty good. She claims that there has not been any problems with CIGNA. I hope she is right about that. It's makes me feel better anyway. But I hear UNITED HEALTH CARE is a different story. BLUE CROSS and BLUE SHEILD requires bloodwork to done and sent to them.
If you miss your appointment expect to wait 3 to 4 months for a reschedule(I waited 4 months for my first appointment). So don't cancel for any reason. Talk to Rosa about appointments she is very nice.
My overall expereince was great. I am real excited about this surgery and what it can do for my life. Wish me LUCK! I will update again as soon as I hear something new to share!
Update: 2-21-02
I call Bonnie this morning (after waiting 5 weeks like Dr. O suggested) she said she had may paperwork in front of her and was senting it to my insurance company (CIGNA) today. Hurray! Hurray! She said see didn't see any problems in my getting approval. Hope she it right. I will start calling the insurance company next week to make sure they got it like Bonnie suggested. Update later!
Update: 9/24/02
I had to change surgeons due to hospital problems in Wilmington, N.C. I had no problems with insurance changing surgeons either. Cigna has been great so far! Finally 3 weeks to go for sure! Surgery is scheduled for 10/14/02!
Update: 10/12/02
Well my surgery has been put off for 7 more days until 10/21/02. Not too bad! But disappointed. My surgeon's assistant had to be out-of-town. Maybe it will happen this time.
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