DHMR Clinics Organization
I met with Dr. Halmi Friday, March 22nd. I found his staff to be very friendly. I was feeling a little antsy prior to meeting him. Upon meeting him I was immediately put at ease. Dr. Halmi was very thorough in the explanation of the procedure. He didn't tell me anything I didn't already know just because I've been studying this subject matter for almost 2 years!
He answered all my questions with ease and he actually spent time talking to me and listening while I voiced my concerns. As you know this is rare in a doctor. I am so glad I went to see him! My only regret is that I waited so long to do it.
My best friend is also a patient of his and recommended him to me. Dr. Halmi explained everything including the procedure itself, the risks involved, the hospital stay, pre & post-op tests & requirements, provided me with a book with all of the information we discussed and a listing of websites to visit. Dr. Halmi seems to doing the surgery only for health reasons and not cosmetic. I met all of his criteria: at least 100 lbs more than normal weight, BMI over 40, health problems related to obesity, willing to follow all of the pre and post op requirements.
Dr. Halmi requires you to meet with a nutritionist twice pre-op, provides a support group in two locations, has a lifelong post-op program to adhere to.
On a 5 star scale I rate Dr. Halmi a 5!
New patients: before you visit the office, make sure you have a list of all of the diets you've tried before and dates if possible, all of your obesity related illnesses, and all of the medication you take that relates to your obesity. Also bring some good reading material as my wait was a little long and the magazines in his office basically were on golf.
My first impression was that he was very knowledgeable in the surgery and made me feel very comfortable.
The staff at the office is very friendly and will do everything to help you in getting the necessary paper work done.
to me both surgical competence and bedside manner are both important. You want to be sure that the surgeon knows everything about the surgery that he/she is doing and any thing that is new that is out. Bedside manner is also a help because you have just had a major operation done and you need someone to see you through this.
I had an appt with Dr. Halmi on 2/11/02. I was impressed with him very much. He was very nice and laid back. He seem to answer all the questions that my mother and I had. I left his office that day feeling very comfortable and assured that if I have the surgery that he will be my doctor. plus, his office is so convenient to where I live that is definitely an added plus. Dr. Halmi's offc staff is the BEST!!! They do must of the work for ins approval. Dr. Halmi's has a strict before care and aftercare program. You have to go see a nutrionist. How many times I don't know. I was just approved yesterday(3/11/02).
Have the first appointment scheduled for 1/29/02
1/29/02 - Hubby and I met with Dr. Halmi today. He is very nice and informative. I had done alot of research and knew this was what I wanted but he was able to ease my concern on several issues. He said insurance approval should be in 1-3 weeks but he does not expect any resistance!!! I guess I am in the "waiting" stage.
3/1/02 - With the help of Marisol at the office, I have been approved. 2 months to get all the pre-op done. The office staff is so helpful.
I was VERY happy with my surgeon. I've only had one visit at this time. I was very happy with the office staff....they didn't make me feel uncomfortable about being overweight...they very nice.
I want to update that I really really like my surgeon. He has very good bed side manner and is very soft spoken.. I felt completely safe in his care. My husband met him and then decided to use him to remove a cyst from under his arm...The whole group at Dr. Anez and Dr. Halmi's office is great. What makes it really interesting is two girls in the office have had the surgery, and their a blast to talk to.
I have nothing to say negative...everything went fine with my surgery. The only negative I could possible think of was the office had to fax my paperwork twice to the insurance company, but that could have been the insurers mistake.
My first office visit was all about 30 mins, he was quiet, but infomative. He wanted to know if i was 100% sure on wanting the surgery, asked a couple of questions and handed me a booklet. The girls in the office are very nice and helpfull, belive me i called alot to see what was going on with the insurance. The only thing I didnt like was the fact that it took them 2 weeks to fax in the request to my insurance comapny, i understand we are all busy, but this is important. I got approved in one day, my date is scheduled and im going back this monday for my second visit. So far, Im happy with picking this doctor.
my first impression was that he really listened to what I had to say and he didn't dismiss me like I have been treated in the past. Not by him but by Dr. Sugarman's office they were not helpful at all!!!!
Shannon,Brigette,and Veronica. are wonderful
I can not say enough they are so positive and helpful all you have to do is call.
My first impression of Dr. Halmi was that he was very knowledgeable. He reinforced what I have learned at this site.
The nurse (Shannon?) and receptionist (name?) are *****(Five Star... I know that looks like a curse...)! I will have a blast with those two everytime I visit!
Aftercare was emphasized in the booklet and by Dr. Halmi. He described the procedure as a tool for your new diet. After a year Post-Op your system is back and you can gain weight back if you don't follow through with a new lifestyle.
So far I amextemely happy with Dr. Halmi and staff!
More to come as time goes by....
Dr Halmi is my second surgeon. My first, Dr, John Grant at Duke couldn't do the suregery on me until I lost 100 pounds. Dr. Halmi will do it with me excess weight. I like Dr. Halmi and he did a good job on my sister. I also saw the scar on a lady who had him do her surgery about a month ago - and it looked fantastic!
1/28/02 - Update - I wanted to reinforce my opinions of Dr. Halmi. My surgery was done on 12/19/01 and he did a fantastic job. Dr. Halmi is a supremely knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. His office staff, Shannon and Veronica are excellent. Shannon is a wiz with the insurance and no matter how small your problem, they really care and work to get you seen immediately if anything is wrong. The whole office get stwo thumbs up from me!
dr. halmi was great! a little quiet, but i felt very comfortable with him. his nurse shannon was the best and i don't know what i would have done without her! dr. halmi also has a great nutritionist that you have to see twice before surgery and twice after. her name was laura and she was a big help!