Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Getting past the gatekeeper



Recommended Posts

Has anyone else had trouble getting past the patient coordinator at the doctor’s office? No matter what records I have sent, she never seems to receive them even though the doctors are all on the same charting system so it’s always available. It’s been five months since my original appointment with the surgeon. The coordinator is never available by phone. I really don’t want to start over with a new office since everything they asked me to do is done, but she just doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge it. It’s frustrating.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ask for the office manager. That's ridiculous. My previous surgeons office was similar to this, but my new surgeon has a much more efficient office and staff.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Go in person and make her sit with you until it's all done. Or speak to the office manager and explain what is going on. If nothing else, make them print your records for you and go find a different surgeon without such a terrible front office staff.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You won’t have to start all over if you ou go elsewhere. Another surgeon may have different requirements and you will have to satisfy them but they should accept medical records of what you have already done.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I guess I got lucky, my coordinator was very responsive both by phone and email. Each surgeon in the practice had his/her own coordinator, so one person wasn't doing the entire office.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ohhh that must be so frustrating!!
I would definitely try to call anyone that works there to reach someone who can help you out or just show up in person, five months is getting ridiculous. You have every right to demand some proper service by now! If they’re drowning in work they should at least notify people about longer waiting times.. They could even put that up on their website.
Good luck! Hope you get a positive response 🤞

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I feel your pain. Eight months since my first appointment and I can't a straight answer on the status of my insurance approval from the patient navigator. I understand that they can't perform any RNY surgeries due to COVID, but that doesn't mean the entire practice should come to a halt.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't believe how much run around some offices are giving y'all!

I have my "first" appointment with my surgeon today for revision purposes. Albeit, I'm not a new patient at this office, I want to share how this office works. Yesterday, the patient coordinator called me to let me know what my insurance requires as far as how many visitis, etc., and what costs I'll be responsible for. She said that the way things look right now, I could possibly be scheduled for surgery by the end of March or early April.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for your responses. I sent her all the information again yesterday. I will call and ask for the office manager if I don’t get a satisfactory response from the coordinator today.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It worked! She scheduled me for March 8th.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×