Bandedin2007

I see Paul Marino. He's a physicians assistant in Dr. Trad's office. Paul worked with Dr. Pinnar (Senior), and he was the physicians assistant who did my surgery with Dr. Pinnar (Junior). Paul is wonderful, and takes great care of me. I went through a period of a few years where, like you, I didn't have good care. I'm very thankful that I have Paul now.

I'd love to -- but I don't know how to "private message". Can you give me quick instructions on how to find it?

I've seen several come through: Advanced Weight Loss Solutions (AWLS) (which according to Pinnar's letter, has ceased to exist -- the reason why Merchia said that he didn't have to honor the aftercare agreements), Syncrony Health VA LLC, P Cohen, Dr, Barry Greene (who I've never seen in my life), and Afterband (which I saw a couple of times without knowing that Pinnar had sold), and then I saw a couple more times until Phil left. What did the VADHP say in their reply? I'm getting ready to talk to an attorney about this.

I've seen several come through: Advanced Weight Loss Solutions (AWLS) (which according to Pinnar's letter, has ceased to exist -- the reason why Merchia said that he didn't have to honor the aftercare agreements), Syncrony Health VA LLC, P Cohen, Dr, Barry Greene (who I've never seen in my life), and Afterband (which I saw a couple of times without knowing that Pinnar had sold), and then I saw a couple more times until Phil left. What did the VADHP say in their reply? I'm getting ready to talk to an attorney about this.

Deb, I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with you and other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help. I too am concerned that they're going to turn around and try to bill me (though I suspect they won't since they have to know they're in the wrong, and that would result in lawsuits and legal bills they won't want to deal with).

I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help.

I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help.

I agree with what you said about Dr. Pinnar and the Dr. he sold his practice to wholehearedly. Dr. Pinnar could have made sure that the buyer honored his office's contracts with patients if he cared to go to the trouble -- apparently he couldn't have cared less. I've shared my experience with some of my other doctors, who are shocked at the manner in which Dr. Pinnar closed his practice, failed to notify his patients in a timely manner or arrange for the buyer to honor aftercare contracts. I wish I could find the 400+ other patients who paid $1000 or more for "fills for life" and an attorney willing to take the case and bring some sort of legal action against the buyer and Dr. Pinnar - 400 patients at $1000/each or more is a lot of money. SOMEONE still owns the liability for those "fill for life" contracts -- I don't think a business can just sell its assets, close its doors and forget about it's liabilities. I don't know anything about the surgeon that Dr. Pinnar is working with now, but his past actions would make me wary of him if I were a patient seeking a surgeon to do a procedure that requires potentially life-long aftercare. He has proven unreliable and unconcerned with his patients -- two characteristics one doesn't want in a surgeon. But there is some good news. Phil Cohen, Dr. Pinnar's PA, has teamed with a local surgeon to provide aftercare for patients from Dr. Pinnar's practice. From my initial discussion with his office assistant, it seems like they are willing to work with former patients of Dr. Pinnar on the cost of aftercare -- it's not free (as it was under our contracts with Dr. Pinnar), but it sounds like it's a reasonable approach. The website is www.bandcareofnova.com and the phone number is 703-636-0789.