Would you switch lap band surgeons at this point?

[llband2011 2]

I really like my surgeon but there have been some changes in his office that are making me question if I should switch to another surgeon. Recently he changed his office. He moved to an already established practice to create his own. He's still affiliated with the same hospital, though.

My last appointment was my fourth with him. At that point I had done all my pre-op requirements and I was ready for him to submit information to my insurance. When I got to the appointment he thought it was my second because in my file he only had my first appointment. notes He didn't have any notes from my other appointments. They managed to find some of them and some of my pre-op testing during the appointment, but when I left he said they were going to have to find some others.

He said they would submit the paperwork to insurance but I'm wondering if they ever did or when they did because they didn't have it all. My appointment was two weeks ago. I've called his office last week and twice this week to see if they had all my paperwork and to see if it was submitted and no one called me back. Is this normal to not receive a call back? I'm nervous that if I have a problem after surgery that I won't be able to reach him. He told me to call this Friday to see if my insurance got back to them. I don't feel like it's wrong for me to call them.

I should mention that he's the only surgeon in the practice. I'm near Philadelphia so there are other hospitals with bariatric centers. This hospital is the closest. I don't know what my options are at this point for switching. I don't want to wait another 5 months to get the lap band but it's probably better to prolong the surgery if it means better post-care. What would you do? Am I being unreasonable, impatient? Would you go ahead if you like the surgeon and hope the office gets it together?

[aroundthetown 8]

My gut is considerable, and I always go with it! I'd say go with yours too. You are right, bad vibes pre-surgery probably will mean bad news post surgery. Explore your other options with other surgeons. Explaining to them that you no longer feel comfortable with this doctor and that you'd like to switch, would they be willing to pick up your care where the other doctor left off or would you have to start from scratch? Good luck!

[nurse535 30]

My surgeon's office was very professional and efficient. They had a case manager that was my main contact and she compiled all my pre-surgical requirements and would periodically update me on what she had on file and what else would be needed before she could submit to insurance. I am very appreciative of how efficient they were. I think you should at least check into your options, and hopefully the things you've already done that are required for insurance will be taken into consideration and you won't have to wait another 5 months.

[JinTx 19]

Similar thing happened to me. I went to a surgeon other ppl went to. They liked him so I would too, right? Initially I ignored my guy. Went through preop with him, tons of money spent on EGD, blood work, barium swallow, ultrasound all for nothing bc I decided to listen to my gut. This was the end of April. I have since switched surgeons and ins has appvd me and hipeti be banded in sept. The point? Follow your gut. If you think you should switch then visit with another one at least for a consult.

[Snoopyloverny 3]

It doesn't sound like He or his office os very efficient or reliable. To lose patient records is avvery BiG deal. How much experience has he had? Did you check into his record thus far.? Is he recommended by someone or others you know? I would def check out the others inyour city!

[llband2011 2]

Thanks for all the replies. I think you are all right to go with my gut. I would hate to go through the whole process again but if it means better care, then it's important.

[lifeisjustbeginning2011 11]

I was self pay, and expected more than what my first surgeon was offering. He's well known in the area as being a top doctor. Heck, he TRAINS new docs on Lap Band.

The final straw was when, a week before surgery, I went to pay. There was 1,000 added onto the fee (all inclusive total of 13,500) because I have sleep apnea and might have to stay overnight. Umm..no. I literally had just paid 5,000 in cash and 7500 on my credit card. I said no way, refund it all right now. I was PISSED. They refunded everything (minus the 100 initial consult fee) and I moved on. I found another center that offers even more services (a whole year of nutrition and doc visits for no charge) and it was only 12,500. I'm glad I did.

You have go on your level of trust. If you doubt it, look elsewhere.

Amy

I really like my surgeon but there have been some changes in his office that are making me question if I should switch to another surgeon. Recently he changed his office. He moved to an already established practice to create his own. He's still affiliated with the same hospital, though.

My last appointment was my fourth with him. At that point I had done all my pre-op requirements and I was ready for him to submit information to my insurance. When I got to the appointment he thought it was my second because in my file he only had my first appointment. notes He didn't have any notes from my other appointments. They managed to find some of them and some of my pre-op testing during the appointment, but when I left he said they were going to have to find some others.

He said they would submit the paperwork to insurance but I'm wondering if they ever did or when they did because they didn't have it all. My appointment was two weeks ago. I've called his office last week and twice this week to see if they had all my paperwork and to see if it was submitted and no one called me back. Is this normal to not receive a call back? I'm nervous that if I have a problem after surgery that I won't be able to reach him. He told me to call this Friday to see if my insurance got back to them. I don't feel like it's wrong for me to call them.

I should mention that he's the only surgeon in the practice. I'm near Philadelphia so there are other hospitals with bariatric centers. This hospital is the closest. I don't know what my options are at this point for switching. I don't want to wait another 5 months to get the lap band but it's probably better to prolong the surgery if it means better post-care. What would you do? Am I being unreasonable, impatient? Would you go ahead if you like the surgeon and hope the office gets it together?