Atlanta Medical Center Bariatric Center

dr. famshaw has an awsome bedside manner and is by far the best dr i have had in my whole life for anything. and the nurses are like family, always willing to help and get you the things you need quickly. dr. ramshaw is in the office of dr.scott and is very busy. sometimes you may have to see dr. scott if you have an office visit and dr ramshaw is out of the office. but you have the same nurses and the same friendly support. i have had to have many hospital visits do to a ulcer i got from my surgery and i have had to have the area above the new pouch stretched 2 times and getting ready for the 3rd. all visits have been real calm and comfortable. the staff with missouri bariatric clinic in columbia,mo are the medical staff that i have ever meet. they do not lack in any area and i highly reccomend them.

First impression was great. He seemed sincere, caring, honest and open. He didn't hurry out of the room as some doctors do, but talked with me about risks and benefits for a few minutes. rnrnMost of the office staff was great. Honestly, they could be a little more organized, but they weren't horrible or anything.rnrnOverall, I don't have any complaints. I was happy with him and his staff before the surgery and my impression has not changed. He has both surgical compitence and good bedside manner... What more could you ask for?

I have a great experience with the people at the bariatric center I am going to - from Dr. Ramshaw to the nurse, nutrionist, office girls - just everyone! I would recommend this clinic to anyone and everyone! Can't wait to have my surgery done.rnrnThanks to you all!

'Dr. Bruce Ramshaw is now in Columbia

I had my first vist with dr Bruce Ramshaw july 3rd 2003. I was very happy and worry at the same time. MY husband asked most of the questions and we felt he was very sweet
and knew what he was taking about.
He told us that in the beguing he was very afraid to do a surgery. Only an a year he did 5 because he wanted to make sure he was
prepare enought to do more.
Now he does many each week.
I was not so impress with staff but in the biguining I did not worry because I felt it was me because I was nervous.
The stuff is not good at all andI told Dr. Ramshaw and he told me he knew and working to change and improve.
They never send the paper to my insurance
and I want this surgery so much that I call
their office all the time.
Finally the papers were send to Emory claim deparment and they called humana.
They asked if the surgery is cover and they no. They called me from Emory to tell me about it. I called humana and asked to speak with the head nurse that make the desicions with the surgery. I spoke with her and she asked me how much I weiht and my Bmi and she told me you are APPROVE!
I ASKED HER CALD EMORY AD GIV THEM THE APPROVEL NUMBER AND THAT WAS THE END OF IT.

Doctor was 3 hours late for consult.

Office staff is the worst I have ever dealt with. They do not return calls or help in anyway. It was a full time job to keep on them about doing what they should be.

HORRIBLE!

HE IS VERY NICE,AND WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND WILL TRY TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING, HE IS NOT A SALESMAN FOR THIS S URGERY HE TRULY WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU HE DOES GO OVE RTHE RISKS AND WAS HONEST ABOUT ANY QUESTIONS ASKED

I started the process of seeking consultation for bariatric surgery in May, 2002. First, I had to wait two months to attend an information seminar conducted by Dr. Bruce Ramshaw and his partner, Dr. Daniel C. Smith, at the Emory Bariatrics Clinic in Atlanta, GA. Approximately three weeks later, I had my first appointment with Dr. Ramshaw, who was very personable. My discussion with Dr. Ramshaw was very brief; mostly, I met with the coordinator, Debra Beck and was given detailed instructions on how to proceed with preliminary testing.

Within a week, I had completed my psych evaluation and was eager to continue with various laboratory screenings, but was forced to delay these until December due to personal priorities related to my residential relocation. After completing my move, I submitted my Diet History to Debra and she scheduled the next round of tests, which were completed on 2/14/03. In these tests, I was cleared for surgery with a new revelation that I have a large, hiatal hernia that will require repair during the surgical process to insure the success of the gastric bypass.

As I sit here three weeks pre-op, my biggest concern is whether Medicare will pay for my surgery. I have letters of medical necessity written by my Internist, Dr. John Wolff, and my TKR (Total Knee Replacement) Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Eric Oser, but I hear that Medicare is often resistant to approving this surgery. With my co-morbidities (degenerative joint disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, the hiatal hernia and gastrointestinal reflux disease, plus the fact that I've been disabled from working since 1993), I am hopeful that I will pass the "medical necessity" test).

I am very much looking forward to getting this surgery behind me so I can effectively lose my excess weight and start living again! My disabilities are very constraining, and at 53, I want a shot at improving my lifestyle significantly.

My only negative impression with the Emory Clinic thus far is with its "bureaucracy" and strict adherence to "rules" governing the process. I think a little more flexibility and consideration for the individual would be a positive change.

My name is Angie and I have been trying to get approved since Sept.2002.Because of Insurance restrictions I had to use Emory Bariatrics;I have been very dissapointed with the progress of my journey.I still have not met Dr. Ramshaw, but one of his associates.I have done everything that has been asked of me including psych eval.'s,endocrine work ups,referrals and phoning my Insurance Co. I recieved my denial letter on 1/30/03 & was devastated to say the least;When I called Emory to see where I would go from here,I was told in no uncertain terms it was my responsibility to file an appeal.I was basicly left out in the cold wondering what to do next.In my opinion there is no support from the staff at Emory.
I will not stop until I am approved;I have a BMI of 42 and several co-morbidities.Emory Bariatrics is overworked & very unorganized.
Sorry to sound so jaded, but I am at the end of my rope.If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to contact me.Thank you.
I would rate this organization at 2.

Dr.Ramshaw is a gentle giant. He is very informative and very educated about Weight loss surgery options. His office staff can be a little more organized however. I would say that you would need to keep after them for follow up. His office makes seeing the inhouse nutritionist mandatory. I must say the class is excellent.