bobbybeth

I went for a fill today. Dr. Touliatos refused to do a fill because he said that I never pay my co-pay and that he "can't do this stuff for free." I told him that I always pay my $15 copay and usually some extra. He said he couldn't treat me until it was resolved. I was so humiliated! I was escorted into the billing coordinator's office. She finally confirmed that I did pay a co-pay each time, but that it was credited to an old balance of $150. Can you believe that! He became a bill collector in the exam room over a TOTAL balance of $150. After all of the thousands of dollars my insurance company and I have paid him. I drove for 2 hours for this appointment, and they didn't have the courtesy to tell me this when I scheduled the appointment. The billing coordinator apologized and spoke with Dr. Touliatos. He then agreed to see me, but I declined. Sorry gang, but I just had to vent!:party:

I didn't know I owed the balance, but I'll accept responsibility and make sure that it is totally paid. I faxed a letter to the Dr. last night to let him know that I was disappointed that $160 balance came in between the physician/patient relationship. I don't think I can use him again. I see him as a money grubbing no-good a' hole! I wasn't trying to be a dead beat. I just think it was handled all wrong. A simple phone call from their office or even when I called to schedule the fill would have been great.

I had my surgery May 2007 as well, and have virtually lost no weight. I've had several adjustments, but I can't really see any difference. Happily, though, I am now down 73.7 pounds because of weight watchers. It is a wonderful program, and I would encourage anyone to give it a try. That has been where my true success has come from. I suppose the band has helped, but it is certainly not the magic wand that I hoped it would be.

I can't imagine sleeping without my CPAP! I can't even nap without it. I think you'll find the whole sleep study thing to not be too unpleasant. Best wishes. I just had the lapband done on May 31 in Birmingham. Dr. Touliatos was my doc and he did a great job. Best wishes.