Surgeons doing vertical sleeve

Can anybody help me find someone in or near St Louis doing VSG. I know about JS Scott and Dr DeLatorre but they're not in my PPO. Suggestions please... Thanks, MH

Dear MH, Not sure who your ins is-but sometimes they will approve a certain doctor IF there are no other practicing docs for the services you need within a 100 mile radius, so you might check that out. I know that there are other bariatric surgeons in the St. Louis area-but really dont hear much about them on here-and what I have heard-is that they have like a yr long wait to get into their program and have surgery. Have you called the ins to see WHO they cover in your area? Thats the first step I would take-and if there are none-ask what their requirements are as far as paying in network for a service in your area-whether they are in network or not. I worked in health ins/hospital ins for over 13 years-so this advice is coming from first hand knowledge. Good luck to you-and I sincerely wish you the best. Janet

Dr. Norbert Richardson of New Start at St. Alexius Hospital(1-800-245-1431) is performing his first VSG August 8th.  I'm presently approved for Lap Band, but if insurance will cover VSG, that's what I'll have him do. Dr. Scott is overseeing the operation, since New Start was just approved to begin doing them.  Good luck. Ann