What happend to Barix?

Does anyone know why Barix is closing? Also what ever happened to Dr. Vuaghn. He was my surgeon. Who should I use now for follow up care. I am 9 months out and live near Rockford. Thanks everyone. Kim M.

My understanding from what I heard at the support group was that Dr Vaughn is working in the Rockford area as a trauma surgeon. I don't know where, but you could call area hospitals or Barix and ask. I was told Dr. Boe is going to Pennsylvania. Barix is closing bcause they have too few patients. i think it probably started when they had the conflict w/ BCBS and did not renew their contract several years ago. When I had my surgery they were doing 40 surgeries a week, 4 surgeons working there. then the BCBS thing happened and business really dropped off. then when they settled with BCBS it never grew again. Dr. Schlessinger moved to AZ to open a new hospital. then Dr. Berkowitz retired and neither was ever replaced. Dr. Vaughn moved on to a new job. that left Dr Boe alone there, and most likely 1 Dr. can't generate enough revenue to keep the place going. I'd like to know why Barix didnt get in some more Drs and do some advertising. Poor business management. The brand new AZ hospital also closed down after only a short time. Maybe they tried to expand too fast. I don't know, it is all speculation on my part. I called Barix this AM as I just heard about this last night. I am very upset and feel abandoned. I was promised that I would have my follow up for lifetime and now I don't. My support group is gone. along with the many wonderful people I met through there. I also have had health issues - 4 bowel obstructions and when I saw Dr. Boe for my 4 year follow up he said to come directly to him if I experienced any pain so he could check it out. They are referring to Dr Rosen in Downers Grove and someone in Peoria for follow up. What you need to do, Contact Barix ASAP and get full and complete copies of all of your medical records. If you are due for any follow up get in there asap. they said Dr. Boe will be in the office for a couple more months. I left a message for Barb Barrie who was the support group leader, and hopefully she will call me back and we can get a group going so we don't lose that support. I am so upset, I have been crying.

Wow, I had no idea that any of this was going on. I am so sorry that you have had a number of those bowel obstructions and the need for constant care. You must be very frustrated. I am due for an April year exam, so I took your advice and called them to get an appointment before they close. I don't know what I will do then. Hopefully, I will get my records to review and take to someone else for help.This is really unbelievable. I thought they were SOLID when I went with them Let me know if you get another support group going. I could use the help. Take care and thanks for all of the information. Kim M.