"9/24/01 I am changing surgeons back to Dr Scholten. BC/BS made an exception for me in their policy to deny DS approval as investigational. I am very happy that I will be able to have the surgery close to home and have complete confidence in Dr Scholten as a surgeon. It will also be much easier to attend the support groups post op. Dr Scholten does not charge for his support group. That will be a nice savings as Dr Lutrzykowski chatges $4500 for a 2 year commitment. I was very impressed with Dr Lutrzykowski and regret that he will not be doing my surgery. 8/19/01I had to switch surgeons from Dr Scholten in Grand Rapids to Dr. Lutrzykowski in Bloomfield Hills because Blue Cross and Blue Shield will not pay for the DS coded as Dr Scholten does it. I first met with Dr L on August 17,2001.
I found his office to be quite humble. Over the past few weeks I had many phone conversations with Julie and Kim his support staff and nurse. I found them both to be helpful and courteous. Some of my paperwork did get lost which I found annoying but I have been through such a hassel with BC/BS that it did not take much to frustrate me at that point.
My daughter came with me to the appt. I really liked the way Dr. L addressed her questions and concerns as well as my own. He is very frank and professional. I like his directness. He did not rush the appt and I liked that he took his time and was very through.
Dr. L ordered quite a bit more pre op work than Dr Scholten did. He is insisting on a Pulmonary and Cardiologist clearance. He also ordered blood work to measure various vitamins and minerals in my blood.
I asked him if he had any problem with my listening to a tape during surgery and he was amused saying they have rock and roll oldies on in the OR. Now those are a favorite of mine but I am planning on listening to music that facilitates healing and is closer to my heart rate. I also told him I would have a Reike treatment before surgery and during recovery. He gave me a smile and his eyes said " Is she granola grannie or what?" but at least he will go along with it.
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