"I have actually had 5 surgeries with Dr. Z in the last 7 years. I had adominoplasty and hernia repair in 2004 and then about every 18 months I have gone back to see him when another hernia appears. He listens to what I have to say and then will explain what he will do to fix it. This last surgery he decided to go radical and change the muscles inside to hopeful prevent any more hernias. This was a MAJOR surgery and took longer in the OR, hospital stay and recovery but it was worth it. I am just days away from my longest record without a hernia! Dr. Z even listened to me when I told him it was time to remove the belly button after it had caused me too much pain and pulling. He didn’t like removing it but I was extremely happy to wake up and find that he had turned me into an angel. (Angels have no belly-button ‘cause they are created not born!) After I win the lottery, Dr. Z will be one of the first I call because I want a lot more fixed! "
"I checked him and his background about three different ways. Dr Gelman is out of my network of doctors and I don't like that he is charging $5000 as his fee. He is to be paid up front and if the INS pays $5. or $5000, I would be reimbursed later. He makes sure he gets 5000 no matter what. He is very honest about this and does try to keep your other costs down by performing the surgery at the Illiana Surgery Center in Munster Indiana rather than a big hospital. The surgery center is very capable of this surgery and does have a full capable hospital with 8 beds and you can stay overnight. I'm currently looking for another PS but I would recommend Dr. Gelman if you have the money up front to afford him. "
"Can I mention just a couple minor gliches? I happened to stay in a semi-private room and the rooms are really small. There really isn't enough comfortable space for visitors in your room. Also my husband mentioned there was no TV in the family waiting room. Overall I am pleased with this hospital and would have no uneasiness about returning, if needed. "
"The BTC's, Schaumburg IL clinic was very quite. No backgound music, no TV and most of the staff was out to lunch when I arrived. Nobody in the waiting room. While Amy was taking vitals we heard the doctor was back by the "Oh, Sh--. She tried to hide the laugh.
Very relaxed meeting. He had all the time in the world to talk. Even as we were leaving the clinic he was out at his car doing something.
Explained everything including risks. Talked about what eating will be like afterwards.
Sat and talked with my husband, Army and helicopers. Dr. earned Brownie points there.
8/18/02 While I still agree with the personality of the doctor, BTC has really dropped the ball. It took seven weeks before the letter was sent out to my ins to ask for pre-approval. They are not very good at returning phone calls either. Their phone system is sucky too. You can only hold for 4 minutes before you get the message to try your call later. Then you have to make the call again and hold for another 4 minutes."
