Changing doctors

I am not very happy with the program and service at Dr O'Malley's office, and am considering switching to Barix. Does anybody know whats involved in doing that?? LeeAnne

Hey LeeAnne.... I have successfully done this for a couple of people in our group here in Hamilton. I have a couple of questions... 1) has the OHIP paperwork been submitted? 2) if so, you have an approval letter with a case # on it? It really isn't that difficult. It does require kind of a re-application, but I have people refer to the original OOC claim. You would also need to write a letter stating WHY you want to change locations, WHERE you want to go, and WHICH Dr. you are choosing. I you'd like any help, I'd be more than happy to help you. Debbie WLS (Hamilton) 905-388-8920 [email protected]

Hi Debbie. Thanks for your reply. I do have the original approval that was for the consultation only,and that has a case number on it. Dr O'Malleys office hasnt submitted the request for OOC for the actual surgery yet, because my psych report is still "pending"...I am considering moving to Barix because of the fact that Rochester is taking too long, itis costing me too much money, and I am not thrilled with the fact that I have to stay in a hotel for a week post op. Is there a form I need to fill out, or can I just send them a letter?? They said I can get into a consultation next week probably, and it can take 30-90 days from then to the actual surgery. I am not too sure if it will be faster by switching at this point, so I am not too sure what to do. LeeAnne

If you go to Barix, you may have to stay in Ypsilanti for a week after surgery as well. Some get the okay to go home because they are close by. It's not a guarantee that you'll be able to go home right away. Just a thought. However, if the wait time is more important, then IMO, Barix is quicker.

What do you find bad about O'Malley's office??

Well Dan, for one thing, there seems to be alot of money going out of my pocket into theirs, compared to the other clinics (Barix and Henry Ford for example). The process is long. I have been working through this since September. I went to the seminar on Dec 28 and I still have no date. My psych evaluation was done almost 6 weeks ago, and it still hasnt been "scanned" into the computer, so they havent even applied to OHIP yet for the final surgery approval. Also, I am not too thrilled with the whole idea of having to stay in a hotel for a week post-op. I know they said I would have to do that right up front, but money is tight for me at the moment and I am worried about having to stay there. I know people who started long after me and are already post op, or will be soon. It just seems that some of the other clinics have a much smoother process than Rochester does. I am frustrated. Leeanne

Dr Omalley does require more pre and post op appts etc but I believe that is for the beneift of the patient. i went with him cuz i felt i need that pre and post care follow up. i like that he is thorough and makes u stay after surgery to make sure you are fine before going home where nobody can treat u. thats just my opinion. i understand your frustration though, waiting is never fun. i had my first consult jan 25, and in 2 weeks i have my last nutritional appt and my psych appt. i hope to have a surgery date for this summer. my fingers are crossed. do what you feel is best, although you have gone thru all the steps that r required for pre op so it wont be too much longer for your surgery date. also did u know about RIT inn and conference centre in rochester? thats where i stay everytime i go down for appts. if u book it thru strong hospital guest services it only costs $38 per night. with that u also get dinner coupons and free shuttle service to and from the hospital. good luck