mystmanpdx
Sleep study appointment fell through the cracks
Aug 02, 2007
I called OWLS yesterday and asked them about my sleep study because no one has called me yet to make an appointment. They told me that according to their records, I was going to get my referral via a PCP. Which I don't have one. So, I told them that and they said they'll refer me themselves. Hopefully will get a call soon.
pre-op appointments scheduled
Jul 31, 2007
I got my welcome packet from OWLS (Oregon Weight Loss Surgery), who is partnered with Legacy Hospital of Portland Oregon. The packet included my appointment dates, insurance and co-pay information verfied by my carrier. They also listed the blood tests needed... I bet I have to have a pint a blood taken. Also, some forms that I need to fill out about my diet history and some info for my psych testing.
I did my initial workshop meeting on June 19th. There must have been 150-200 people there. I can't believe there were that many obese people considering WLS on just the one day I was there when they put these workshops on many times a year. That tells me that most of those people don't have the surgery or possibly go somewhere else.
The workshop was very informative but not much that I didn't already learn online from the many days of surfing I've done researching this surgery. But, I was more there to get information about OWLS specifically and there statistics of complications/deaths. They're a complete laproscopic outfit. As of their statistics, they only had 2 conversions to open chest for RNY bypass. Dr. Emma Patterson gave the presentation. I chose her as my surgeon not because I don't trust the other 2 surgeons she has in her office but she's the most qualified, experienced... and she's the boss. It's possible I might change surgeons after I have my initial appointments.
I filled out my application I received at the workshop the next day and FedEx'ed to OWLS offices. I called them a few days later and got a confirmation they recieved it. They told me that I should wait anywhere from a few days or possibly up to 2 weeks before I get my welcome packet. I got my packet in early July as scheduled. They said assuming that there is no hiccups, that after my appointments in August, I will have my surgical consult up to 3 weeks after, and then can get my surgery date scheduled about 3-4 weeks after that. I've spoken to mostly the same person at Dr. Pattersons' office. Her name is Grace. She seems very knowledgable and helpful. So far I have not had any issues come up or anything that would make distrust their office.
My insurance covers 80% of the surgery, anestesia (sp?), etc using an in-network doctor (which OWLS is for my carrier). They said nothing about get additional approval, I called my insurance carrier and they said I was covered. They also havent said anything about having to lose a specific amount of weight before my surgery either, which is different from other people I've read about. I don't know if this is a doctor thing or an insurance thing.
I did my initial workshop meeting on June 19th. There must have been 150-200 people there. I can't believe there were that many obese people considering WLS on just the one day I was there when they put these workshops on many times a year. That tells me that most of those people don't have the surgery or possibly go somewhere else.
The workshop was very informative but not much that I didn't already learn online from the many days of surfing I've done researching this surgery. But, I was more there to get information about OWLS specifically and there statistics of complications/deaths. They're a complete laproscopic outfit. As of their statistics, they only had 2 conversions to open chest for RNY bypass. Dr. Emma Patterson gave the presentation. I chose her as my surgeon not because I don't trust the other 2 surgeons she has in her office but she's the most qualified, experienced... and she's the boss. It's possible I might change surgeons after I have my initial appointments.
I filled out my application I received at the workshop the next day and FedEx'ed to OWLS offices. I called them a few days later and got a confirmation they recieved it. They told me that I should wait anywhere from a few days or possibly up to 2 weeks before I get my welcome packet. I got my packet in early July as scheduled. They said assuming that there is no hiccups, that after my appointments in August, I will have my surgical consult up to 3 weeks after, and then can get my surgery date scheduled about 3-4 weeks after that. I've spoken to mostly the same person at Dr. Pattersons' office. Her name is Grace. She seems very knowledgable and helpful. So far I have not had any issues come up or anything that would make distrust their office.
My insurance covers 80% of the surgery, anestesia (sp?), etc using an in-network doctor (which OWLS is for my carrier). They said nothing about get additional approval, I called my insurance carrier and they said I was covered. They also havent said anything about having to lose a specific amount of weight before my surgery either, which is different from other people I've read about. I don't know if this is a doctor thing or an insurance thing.
About Me
Everett, WA
Location
38.6
BMI
Surgery
03/20/2008
Surgery Date
Jul 28, 2007
Member Since