typin56mom 4 Posted January 25, 2014 Does anyone have any information on this place?? Their website looks great, but I am interested in personal experiences! Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Better than dead 19 Posted January 29, 2014 I had never heard of it either until recently. They also go by Northstar Healthcare Surgical. hey take up the top floor of a medical building in Dallas near Love field. I had my EGD scope done there last week. Everyone was nice, and it went well. It is an outpatient surgical center; so it doesn't have a "hospital" feel, more like a doctors office. I have my surgery there next week. Who is your surgeon? If you have any specific question don't hesitate to ask or PM me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
typin56mom 4 Posted January 29, 2014 Thanks. Dr. Nicholson is my surgeon but not yet scheduled due to insurance hoops. Is your surgery going to be there? If so, I will be interested to hear about your experiences there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shadowsmom 15 Posted February 8, 2014 I just had my EJD there yesterday and believe that is also where I'll be sleeved as well. Great staff and good experience yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Better than dead 19 Posted February 12, 2014 I had my EGD there (as I mentioned before), and then my sleeve surgery on February 4. The hospital staff was great and everything went perfectly. I have no complaints and would say you are in good hands! It is not a "fancy" VIP hospital (like Forest Park or Victory), but they get the job done. Overall it is small, but the nurse to patient ratio seemed good because of that. The rooms are small, but it is an outpatient facility so that makes sense. A couple of people stayed the night for whatever reason, but the vast majority went home same day as planned. Sandy is the NP that was in charge while I was there. She has 20 years of bariatric surgery experience and was great to have around. She even called me 2 days after surgery to check on me and see how I was doing, she also gives everyone her cell phone number to call for any reason once discharged. Keep in mind, not the surgeons office but a nurse at the hospital. Also, Jim (one of the RN's) was great, he spent the most time caring for me post op. I saw Dr. Nick for a split second before surgery and never saw him again. Not a problem for me, he obviously did a great job since I am feeling so good. I think that is fairly common with the big surgeons. I was an outpatient, leaving the same evening as my surgery. I had no pain and no complications. I was a little nauseated the first day post op, but no biggie. Drinking that same day wasn't fun, but I expected that. Also, I didn't have any pain meds, just didn't feel like I needed them. I was back at work in 6 days (desk job) with no issues. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woo woo 872 Posted February 12, 2014 I had my EGD there (as I mentioned before), and then my sleeve surgery on February 4. The hospital staff was great and everything went perfectly. I have no complaints and would say you are in good hands! It is not a "fancy" VIP hospital (like Forest Park or Victory), but they get the job done. Overall it is small, but the nurse to patient ratio seemed good because of that. The rooms are small, but it is an outpatient facility so that makes sense. A couple of people stayed the night for whatever reason, but the vast majority went home same day as planned. Sandy is the NP that was in charge while I was there. She has 20 years of bariatric surgery experience and was great to have around. She even called me 2 days after surgery to check on me and see how I was doing, she also gives everyone her cell phone number to call for any reason once discharged. Keep in mind, not the surgeons office but a nurse at the hospital. Also, Jim (one of the RN's) was great, he spent the most time caring for me post op. I saw Dr. Nick for a split second before surgery and never saw him again. Not a problem for me, he obviously did a great job since I am feeling so good. I think that is fairly common with the big surgeons. I was an outpatient, leaving the same evening as my surgery. I had no pain and no complications. I was a little nauseated the first day post op, but no biggie. Drinking that same day wasn't fun, but I expected that. Also, I didn't have any pain meds, just didn't feel like I needed them. I was back at work in 6 days (desk job) with no issues. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. Just curious about this, your profile says you are in MS but it seems like you have been to this facility in Dallas more than once? Do you live in Dallas area? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Better than dead 19 Posted February 12, 2014 Just curious about this, your profile says you are in MS but it seems like you have been to this facility in Dallas more than once? Do you live in Dallas area? I am currently in Mississippi, but am from the Dallas area and have family there. I chose to have surgery in DFW because I believe that was my best option of surgeon. I put a lot of miles on I-20 these days; not related to WLS.... 1 woo woo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
typin56mom 4 Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks for the feedback.. I'm curious why you went there instead of the other places Dr. Nick goes to--was it financial.? Someone in hid office told me they charge a fraction of what insurance would pay for if you paid up front. Your thoughts???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Better than dead 19 Posted February 13, 2014 Thanks for the feedback.. I'm curious why you went there instead of the other places Dr. Nick goes to--was it financial.? Someone in hid office told me they charge a fraction of what insurance would pay for if you paid up front. Your thoughts???? Unless you are cash pay, the location is partly (if not totally) determined by your insurance. I was able to get some insurance assistance and that was the location that my insurance and Dr. Nicks office would participate with. I am sure it is much cheaper than some of the other locations... Don't get me wrong, I would have rather been at one of the other locations only because they appear to be much more spacious and comfortable for my better half. Of course I wasn't there long enough and the room comfort wasn't on my mind, really only the level of care should matter I assume. Yes, you will get a breakout of costs when you check in; total cost, after insurance cost, and upfront cost. In my opinion, if you can't pay the very small (relative to the other option) upfront cost, then you shouldn't have the procedure done until you save the money. It is that big of a difference! Once you get everything set you can call the hospital and get them to tell you the numbers about a week prior. Also, they called me a few days before and told me what to pay the day of. I believe most of the hospitals make you pay up front also, this place just gives you a cheaper option too. I assume it keeps their administrative costs lower by not fighting insurance companies as much. I really think the surgeon and staff are much more important than the actual hospital. Notice how many hospitals just Dr. Nick does surgery; I can name 5 off the top of my head. That being said; a competent hospital is a must, but beyond that its more a question of how much do you want to pay... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woo woo 872 Posted February 13, 2014 I am currently in Mississippi, but am from the Dallas area and have family there. I chose to have surgery in DFW because I believe that was my best option of surgeon. I put a lot of miles on I-20 these days; not related to WLS.... That makes sense! I am actuailly "displaced" out of state from Dallas at this time myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
typin56mom 4 Posted February 16, 2014 Thanks for all the info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREVORSMOM 20 Posted March 7, 2015 I had my EDG there and it went very well. I am scheduled for the Sleeve surgery there on March 24th with Dr. Nicholson. I really did like him when I had my appointment with him. Seems like a down to earth man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giggleblue 64 Posted March 10, 2015 Dr. Nicholson patient here. Had my EGD and sleeve there - all was well! I like the nurses. All have been kind and funny and sweet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SassyXray 14 Posted March 20, 2015 Dr. Nicholson is also my doctor. I'm self-pay so I think that has a lot to with why I was scheduled here. I had my EGD done here 2 weeks ago. No problems. Great staff. Very clean. I know quite a few other baratric surgeons was this center such as Dr. Jay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samskiles 159 Posted August 11, 2015 Just wondering if they have an overnight area just in case? I'm being sleeved here tomorrow! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites