"I knew Dr. Black from about 10 years ago when he had done my gallbladder surgery at the local Army hospital. I had originally scheduled my surgery with another surgeon in town, to be done at a hospital where I would have had less out-of-pocket expense. Then I heard the wonderful reports of how Dr. Black's patients were doing. I did some investigating and found out his patients weren't have complications, a lot of which I attribute to him hand-sewing the anastamosis. All of the research I had done said those patients whose surgeon hand-sewed had fewer leaks and fewer complications. I also found out Dr. Black and his partner, Dr. Hegstrom, did all of these procedures together. I had heard another surgeon whom I greatly respected, but that didn't do these procedures, say that he wouldn't recommend one of his patients have the procedure unless there were 2 surgeons doing the case. I called Dr. Black's office and was so impressed with the professionalism of him and his entire staff from the moment I called. I had my initial visit with him on 6/3/02 and he explained everything in great detail. He seemed to really care if I had any questions and concerns. Since I had already been approved once to have the surgery with someone else, he felt it would definitely be approved and "penciled me in" for 7/11/02, the first opening he had. I heard from my insurance company on 6/14/02 that I was approved. I am now 1 month post-op and couldn't feel better about Dr. Black and his entire staff. They have answered every question I have called with and been completely supportive of my recovery. I have recommended several friends and coworkers to Dr. Black and they have all felt the same. It is very rare to find a physician with the level of skill & expertise he has and have such a wonderful bedside manner, too!"
