Dr. Bock broke his pelvis...

I just heard this information on the Group Health yahoo group. Oh my goodness I am worried. I have Dr. Au for my surgeon and am wondering what is going to happen. I am hoping that everything is still going to go as planned for me on the 24th of Aug. I pray that he heals quickly and can get everyone else in as planned too. This is heartbreaking news for those of us whose insurance is ending soon. I wonder if they will send anyone out of network this time. Please, if anyone has any information, post it so we can all keep each other informed. Lori

Hi Lori, Ditto, Ditto. I just talked to a former patient and she said that when Dr. Bock broke his leg they sent some of the patients to Virginia Mason for surgery. I hope this doesn't affect Dr. Au's patients. Just hoping/guessing, but maybe Dr. Au can take over some of Dr. Bock's people. Who has been called? Mari

Given the facts that there is a high demand for the WLS and the fact that Dr. Bock keeps breaking himself and Dr. Au keeps taking long sabbaticals..... Why doesn't Group Health add surgeons or clinics? A Clinic in the South Sound would be great! Carol Still waiting... waiting and now waiting longer!

I totally agree Carol. I have been saying this too. Why depend on 2 surgeons to do everyone???? I doesn't make sense. Group Health did ask surgeons to come forward and do this surgery and I guess Dr. Bock was the only one interested. This was of course several years ago. I think they need to re-evaluate the program and make some changes. But maybe that won't happen now that they are making it harder to be covered for this surgery. If you employer doesn't purchase the rider, you are screwed. Which is the case for those of us pushing to have this surgery before Sept. I just pray that Dr. Bock heals quickly and that he decides that maybe he shouldn't ride his bike anymore. Good luck to those of you in the waiting game. I hope they get you squared away and things go smoothly. Lori

I don't understand Group Health! Not only do they not have enough surgeons for a high demand program but now they tell me my 'approval' wasn't for the WLS! Supposedly it was only for all the testing that needs to be done. That is NOT what the paper says though, it says "Coverage is authorized for: Evaluate and Treat - Surgery if Indicated" Now they are telling me that I am only approved for the testing! I did find out that my coverage goes to Jan 1st, it is just open season that starts Nov. 1st. I have a phone Appt. with Harriet on Aug. 12th, does she still need to talk to me now? I feel like I have been hung out in the wind and forgotten. And WHY is there such a delay in all the testing and appointments? They put people on a time frame and then make them wait months to get the tests and hopefully they all fall inside the 6 month time frame. Then to add spice to the wait they don't tell you what tests you actually need so you can make earlier appts! you have to literally fall over them before you know you need them. I was not told I needed an EKG until I went in for a routine diabetic blood test! What if I had missed or delayed that test for some reason? I would still be needing the EKG but not know it. Then when they ordered an Echo-cardio test it takes over 6 weeks for the appt.! I am sorry, I get very frustrated with inefficiency. Is there ANYWHERE I can find out what tests I need? Or even what the next steps are? I have seen other people with booklets that help them out but I have not received anything to help with informing me what to do or what is going on. I have tried to talk to Customer Service but they are less than helpful.

I am going to email you.... Lori

How about you email me then... I have some info I can share with you... Lori

I know that GHC wants more surgeons. When I talked to Harriet and said I heard that GHC has 3 surgeons she got all excited but said "I wish! If you can find another, send them our way!". They did have a 3rd a while back but the person was trained and then took off. They can't find anyone else to DO the surgery within Group Health from what I understand. I spoke with Harriet today and asked about Dr Bock. She said that he is really feeling horrible about this last bike accident and that - NO LIE - he is putting the bike up on Ebay. Apparently it's effecting him physically and emotionally that he's not there for his patients. They hope to have him back doing surgeries in September but back to work next month. I just hope he heals quickly and well! Take care, Sandy