Did you choose a surgeon who is located out of your immediate area?

Hi, I am considering a surgeon who is located in the Chicago area, but I live over 100 miles away in Indiana.  I'm looking for info on how accommodating your PCP was when it came to getting a referral, and they weren't helpful, what did you do then?  

Also, I am looking for the same kind of info on insurance companies.  I am a little concerned what they will say since there are other options in my immediate area, but they haven't performed nearly as many procedures nor are they as highly regarded as the Chicago doctor is.   

My procedure would be a revision, so finding a doctor with a ton of experience with revisions is really important to me.

Thanks!

Hey! I actually also live in Indiana and am having my surgery in Tennessee. We don't have anyplace in my town. Even though there are facilities an hour away that provides the service, my insurance won't cover it unless I have it done at an HCA hospital.  My PCP was great in giving me a referral for the srugery.

Good luck to you!!

Hey Fellow Hoosier!

I have options here where I live, but something in my gut keeps telling me that none of these doctors are the right one for me. I am going to pay attention to my gut feel and pursue the other doctor!

 I chose a surgeon - who located herself out of my immediate area but since I was committed to her & her plan, I followed her. Doesn't make follow-up the easiest but it's not too often that I see her and my PCP is really good for things that can't wait. 
FOr the insurance question, I would guess that as long as you have a national plan, instead of state-specific (e.g. BCBS vs medicaid) and your Chicago surgeon is credentialed with the national plan, you should be considered in-network. You can always call your ins co member services to ask.  I'm a mental health providered credentialed with alot of plans and I see people all the time who have plans from various states, not just Maryland. However, I'd have to get credentialed to see non-Maryland medicaid clients who live in other states..... If that makes any sense......

Thank you for your response!  I have read some of your other responses, and I have to say you are very helpful.  I too have thin hair and am worried about hair loss and wondered about how Nioxin might/might not help.

I guess I'd rather be bald and healthier than heavy with hair!

I used a surgeon who was about 50 miles away from my home (which almost always meant several hours in Los Angeles traffic)....

It was a bit overwhelming for a month or so but, seriously, after you get out you don't need to go back that often.

I could have selected someone MUCH closer to my home, but I did not want to go to that group and do NOT regret the extra miles.

Yes. I live in Fairbanks, Alaska but was given one choice by my insurance company. My husband is insured by Banner Health which has their own bariatric clinic in Gilbert, Arizona.

Thankfully my surgeon was/is the best! They were willing to pay my lodging, food and travel for the 5 weeks I was there plus my check-ups. The only downside is that I cannot attend their support groups or go in for monthly visits/weigh-ins.

If they don't want to give you a referral to who you think is better suited then I guess you'll have to find a new PCP.

You win the award for the longest commuter by far!!  Talk about desire and dedication - you are an inspiration and great example for us all.

And yes, if I have to, I will get a new PCP!!

My surgeon is 2 1/2 hours (146 miles) away from me.  Not only does it take a lot of gas money to get down there, but I pay $4.50 each way in toll roads...  Is it worth it?  YES!!  

Being as far out of surgery as I am, I don't have to make the trip too often now, because there are other support groups I can attend that are closer to home.  However, I prefer their groups, so lately I have been going twice a month.

I believe any distance is worth it when it comes to your health.  You have to feel comfortable with your doctor and their program!

Mine is an hour away in New York City - $10 in tolls and $28 for parking each time.  Lucking after the first year, I don't have to go very often anymore.