Guest guest Posted May 11, 2001 Report Share Posted May 11, 2001 " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS friendly PCP, especially if your geographic location does not have a DS doc/center and many people, docs included have never heard of DS? " Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon you are thinking of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you that they know of? or how about asking the question at your surgeons support group meeting? mary bmi 68 corona, ca pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin cigna ppo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2001 Report Share Posted May 11, 2001 " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS friendly PCP, especially if your geographic location does not have a DS doc/center and many people, docs included have never heard of DS? " Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon you are thinking of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you that they know of? or how about asking the question at your surgeons support group meeting? mary bmi 68 corona, ca pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin cigna ppo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2001 Report Share Posted May 11, 2001 " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS friendly PCP, especially if your geographic location does not have a DS doc/center and many people, docs included have never heard of DS? " Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon you are thinking of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you that they know of? or how about asking the question at your surgeons support group meeting? mary bmi 68 corona, ca pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin cigna ppo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I don't know if this will help at all but I was in the same situation - My PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got out my trusty insurance directory with participating Drs. and one by one I called each office and asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to call me back. I was very honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. who was WLS friendly and one who would be willing to recommend and clear me for surgery if it was medically necessary to have it. I did not have a very hard time and after about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who basically said if I was morbidly obese and I had tried just about everything and felt no alternative except for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in and lets talk. He gave me a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 minutes about what WLS actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave me a referral to a pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing exam -- (I have asthma) and basically said we'll call you when we hear from the lab and pulmonologist. He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. Resa Open DS 2-12-01 Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I don't know if this will help at all but I was in the same situation - My PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got out my trusty insurance directory with participating Drs. and one by one I called each office and asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to call me back. I was very honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. who was WLS friendly and one who would be willing to recommend and clear me for surgery if it was medically necessary to have it. I did not have a very hard time and after about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who basically said if I was morbidly obese and I had tried just about everything and felt no alternative except for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in and lets talk. He gave me a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 minutes about what WLS actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave me a referral to a pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing exam -- (I have asthma) and basically said we'll call you when we hear from the lab and pulmonologist. He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. Resa Open DS 2-12-01 Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I don't know if this will help at all but I was in the same situation - My PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got out my trusty insurance directory with participating Drs. and one by one I called each office and asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to call me back. I was very honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. who was WLS friendly and one who would be willing to recommend and clear me for surgery if it was medically necessary to have it. I did not have a very hard time and after about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who basically said if I was morbidly obese and I had tried just about everything and felt no alternative except for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in and lets talk. He gave me a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 minutes about what WLS actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave me a referral to a pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing exam -- (I have asthma) and basically said we'll call you when we hear from the lab and pulmonologist. He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. Resa Open DS 2-12-01 Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I know someone who has gotten the surgery there. They only do open though. I believe that the surgeon himself has had it done. (word of mouth). That he himself suffered from Diabetes, Htn, and sores that would not heal. Since having the surgery, He no longer takes any meds, feels great, with more energy. I believe he (the surgeon) had his performed at Mt. Sinai (open though) due to his own preference. I hear they are really good there and they also have sopport groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I know someone who has gotten the surgery there. They only do open though. I believe that the surgeon himself has had it done. (word of mouth). That he himself suffered from Diabetes, Htn, and sores that would not heal. Since having the surgery, He no longer takes any meds, feels great, with more energy. I believe he (the surgeon) had his performed at Mt. Sinai (open though) due to his own preference. I hear they are really good there and they also have sopport groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Terri this is my situation also -- I live in Newburgh NY and have Oxford insurance. My 1st PCP for 10 years would " clear " me for surgery but not refer me -- he felt I should just keep dieting like I had been ...all the way up to 300 lbs. ! My current PCP feels surgery is " the last resort " and would like me to keep plugging away since I have lost 9 lbs over the last 2 months. I have emailed the Mt Siani group and Dr Ren in request of a WLS friendly PCP that I would be willing to travel to as long as they take Oxford. At this point I can't even get a consult so I am feeling rather hopeless. If you find one in Albany I would be glad to travel up there too. Keep us posted and I will too. Sharon in NY --- Terri Hassiak bunsofluff@...> wrote: > Hi Sharon, > > How did you go about figuring out who you wanted to > switch TO? Well, > if you are looking to switch to a third, then maybe > how you found the > 2nd is *not* the best approach? LOL! > > I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? Asking my > surgeon to recommend a DS doc (or even anyone on > this list) wouldn't > be that effective because no one knows the docs in > the Albany, NY > area. Do they? > > Terri Hassiak > BMI 60 > 5/9/01 surgery date CANCELLED due to insurance > denial > and try > > > again to win him over. > > > > > > Boy Terri I sure know the hell of trying to win > over > > the PCP ! I'm on my 2nd PCP and looks like I'll > be > > moving on to the third....Best of luck to you ! > > Sharon in NY > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Terri this is my situation also -- I live in Newburgh NY and have Oxford insurance. My 1st PCP for 10 years would " clear " me for surgery but not refer me -- he felt I should just keep dieting like I had been ...all the way up to 300 lbs. ! My current PCP feels surgery is " the last resort " and would like me to keep plugging away since I have lost 9 lbs over the last 2 months. I have emailed the Mt Siani group and Dr Ren in request of a WLS friendly PCP that I would be willing to travel to as long as they take Oxford. At this point I can't even get a consult so I am feeling rather hopeless. If you find one in Albany I would be glad to travel up there too. Keep us posted and I will too. Sharon in NY --- Terri Hassiak bunsofluff@...> wrote: > Hi Sharon, > > How did you go about figuring out who you wanted to > switch TO? Well, > if you are looking to switch to a third, then maybe > how you found the > 2nd is *not* the best approach? LOL! > > I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? Asking my > surgeon to recommend a DS doc (or even anyone on > this list) wouldn't > be that effective because no one knows the docs in > the Albany, NY > area. Do they? > > Terri Hassiak > BMI 60 > 5/9/01 surgery date CANCELLED due to insurance > denial > and try > > > again to win him over. > > > > > > Boy Terri I sure know the hell of trying to win > over > > the PCP ! I'm on my 2nd PCP and looks like I'll > be > > moving on to the third....Best of luck to you ! > > Sharon in NY > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Terri this is my situation also -- I live in Newburgh NY and have Oxford insurance. My 1st PCP for 10 years would " clear " me for surgery but not refer me -- he felt I should just keep dieting like I had been ...all the way up to 300 lbs. ! My current PCP feels surgery is " the last resort " and would like me to keep plugging away since I have lost 9 lbs over the last 2 months. I have emailed the Mt Siani group and Dr Ren in request of a WLS friendly PCP that I would be willing to travel to as long as they take Oxford. At this point I can't even get a consult so I am feeling rather hopeless. If you find one in Albany I would be glad to travel up there too. Keep us posted and I will too. Sharon in NY --- Terri Hassiak bunsofluff@...> wrote: > Hi Sharon, > > How did you go about figuring out who you wanted to > switch TO? Well, > if you are looking to switch to a third, then maybe > how you found the > 2nd is *not* the best approach? LOL! > > I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? Asking my > surgeon to recommend a DS doc (or even anyone on > this list) wouldn't > be that effective because no one knows the docs in > the Albany, NY > area. Do they? > > Terri Hassiak > BMI 60 > 5/9/01 surgery date CANCELLED due to insurance > denial > and try > > > again to win him over. > > > > > > Boy Terri I sure know the hell of trying to win > over > > the PCP ! I'm on my 2nd PCP and looks like I'll > be > > moving on to the third....Best of luck to you ! > > Sharon in NY > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I'd be interested in a name here too, though I'd prefer not to have to travel to Newburgh. I'm remembering now something about the hospital in Carmel having a bariatrics dept, though I'm not sure. Carmel is in Putnam, about ...20 miles from you. Re: Sharon/Changing PCPs > Terri this is my situation also -- I live in Newburgh > NY and have Oxford insurance. My 1st PCP for 10 years > would " clear " me for surgery but not refer me -- he > felt I should just keep dieting like I had been ...all > the way up to 300 lbs. ! My current PCP feels surgery > is " the last resort " and would like me to keep > plugging away since I have lost 9 lbs over the last 2 > months. I have emailed the Mt Siani group and Dr Ren > in request of a WLS friendly PCP that I would be > willing to travel to as long as they take Oxford. At > this point I can't even get a consult so I am feeling > rather hopeless. If you find one in Albany I would be > glad to travel up there too. Keep us posted and I > will too. > > Sharon in NY > > > --- Terri Hassiak bunsofluff@...> wrote: > > Hi Sharon, > > > > How did you go about figuring out who you wanted to > > switch TO? Well, > > if you are looking to switch to a third, then maybe > > how you found the > > 2nd is *not* the best approach? LOL! > > > > I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > > friendly PCP, > > especially if your geographic location does not have > > a DS doc/center > > and many people, docs included have never heard of > > DS? Asking my > > surgeon to recommend a DS doc (or even anyone on > > this list) wouldn't > > be that effective because no one knows the docs in > > the Albany, NY > > area. Do they? > > > > Terri Hassiak > > BMI 60 > > 5/9/01 surgery date CANCELLED due to insurance > > denial > > and try > > > > again to win him over. > > > > > > > > > Boy Terri I sure know the hell of trying to win > > over > > > the PCP ! I'm on my 2nd PCP and looks like I'll > > be > > > moving on to the third....Best of luck to you ! > > > Sharon in NY > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 I'd be interested in a name here too, though I'd prefer not to have to travel to Newburgh. I'm remembering now something about the hospital in Carmel having a bariatrics dept, though I'm not sure. Carmel is in Putnam, about ...20 miles from you. Re: Sharon/Changing PCPs > Terri this is my situation also -- I live in Newburgh > NY and have Oxford insurance. My 1st PCP for 10 years > would " clear " me for surgery but not refer me -- he > felt I should just keep dieting like I had been ...all > the way up to 300 lbs. ! My current PCP feels surgery > is " the last resort " and would like me to keep > plugging away since I have lost 9 lbs over the last 2 > months. I have emailed the Mt Siani group and Dr Ren > in request of a WLS friendly PCP that I would be > willing to travel to as long as they take Oxford. At > this point I can't even get a consult so I am feeling > rather hopeless. If you find one in Albany I would be > glad to travel up there too. Keep us posted and I > will too. > > Sharon in NY > > > --- Terri Hassiak bunsofluff@...> wrote: > > Hi Sharon, > > > > How did you go about figuring out who you wanted to > > switch TO? Well, > > if you are looking to switch to a third, then maybe > > how you found the > > 2nd is *not* the best approach? LOL! > > > > I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > > friendly PCP, > > especially if your geographic location does not have > > a DS doc/center > > and many people, docs included have never heard of > > DS? Asking my > > surgeon to recommend a DS doc (or even anyone on > > this list) wouldn't > > be that effective because no one knows the docs in > > the Albany, NY > > area. Do they? > > > > Terri Hassiak > > BMI 60 > > 5/9/01 surgery date CANCELLED due to insurance > > denial > > and try > > > > again to win him over. > > > > > > > > > Boy Terri I sure know the hell of trying to win > > over > > > the PCP ! I'm on my 2nd PCP and looks like I'll > > be > > > moving on to the third....Best of luck to you ! > > > Sharon in NY > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital does bariatric surgery and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone have any wisdom about this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I keep hearing about Gagner in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital does bariatric surgery and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone have any wisdom about this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I keep hearing about Gagner in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital does bariatric surgery and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone have any wisdom about this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I keep hearing about Gagner in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Exellent suggestion ! I did just that. Thank you Sharon in NY --- waterlilys@... wrote: > " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? " > > Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon > you are thinking > of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you > that they know of? > > or how about asking the question at your surgeons > support group > meeting? > > mary bmi 68 > corona, ca > pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin > cigna ppo > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Exellent suggestion ! I did just that. Thank you Sharon in NY --- waterlilys@... wrote: > " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? " > > Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon > you are thinking > of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you > that they know of? > > or how about asking the question at your surgeons > support group > meeting? > > mary bmi 68 > corona, ca > pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin > cigna ppo > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Exellent suggestion ! I did just that. Thank you Sharon in NY --- waterlilys@... wrote: > " I am interested in how one goes about finding a DS > friendly PCP, > especially if your geographic location does not have > a DS doc/center > and many people, docs included have never heard of > DS? " > > Why not ask at the office of the bariatric surgeon > you are thinking > of using for a referral to the closest PCP to you > that they know of? > > or how about asking the question at your surgeons > support group > meeting? > > mary bmi 68 > corona, ca > pre op 6/27/01 dr rabkin > cigna ppo > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Resa thank you. I was afraid to make those calls because I felt they would blow me off with no background information AND reject the idea of a referral for a very high priced procedure. I think this may be the only way at this point. I need knee surgery but have not done so due to my weight. Other than getting out of breath easily and borderline high BP my family history is a the biggest factor. Hopefully diet history and the above mentioned is reason enough with the right PCP. I appreciate your response and will be on the phone MONDAY. Sharon in NY --- Resa831@... wrote: > I don't know if this will help at all but I was in > the same situation - My > PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got > out my trusty insurance > directory with participating Drs. and one by one I > called each office and > asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to > call me back. I was very > honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. > who was WLS friendly and > one who would be willing to recommend and clear me > for surgery if it was > medically necessary to have it. I did not have a > very hard time and after > about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who > basically said if I was morbidly > obese and I had tried just about everything and felt > no alternative except > for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in > and lets talk. He gave me > a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 > minutes about what WLS > actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave > me a referral to a > pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing > exam -- (I have asthma) and > basically said we'll call you when we hear from the > lab and pulmonologist. > He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. > Resa > Open DS 2-12-01 > Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY > down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Resa thank you. I was afraid to make those calls because I felt they would blow me off with no background information AND reject the idea of a referral for a very high priced procedure. I think this may be the only way at this point. I need knee surgery but have not done so due to my weight. Other than getting out of breath easily and borderline high BP my family history is a the biggest factor. Hopefully diet history and the above mentioned is reason enough with the right PCP. I appreciate your response and will be on the phone MONDAY. Sharon in NY --- Resa831@... wrote: > I don't know if this will help at all but I was in > the same situation - My > PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got > out my trusty insurance > directory with participating Drs. and one by one I > called each office and > asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to > call me back. I was very > honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. > who was WLS friendly and > one who would be willing to recommend and clear me > for surgery if it was > medically necessary to have it. I did not have a > very hard time and after > about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who > basically said if I was morbidly > obese and I had tried just about everything and felt > no alternative except > for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in > and lets talk. He gave me > a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 > minutes about what WLS > actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave > me a referral to a > pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing > exam -- (I have asthma) and > basically said we'll call you when we hear from the > lab and pulmonologist. > He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. > Resa > Open DS 2-12-01 > Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY > down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Resa thank you. I was afraid to make those calls because I felt they would blow me off with no background information AND reject the idea of a referral for a very high priced procedure. I think this may be the only way at this point. I need knee surgery but have not done so due to my weight. Other than getting out of breath easily and borderline high BP my family history is a the biggest factor. Hopefully diet history and the above mentioned is reason enough with the right PCP. I appreciate your response and will be on the phone MONDAY. Sharon in NY --- Resa831@... wrote: > I don't know if this will help at all but I was in > the same situation - My > PCP would not recommend me for any WLS. So, I got > out my trusty insurance > directory with participating Drs. and one by one I > called each office and > asked to speak or leave a message for the Dr. to > call me back. I was very > honest. I explained that I was looking for a Dr. > who was WLS friendly and > one who would be willing to recommend and clear me > for surgery if it was > medically necessary to have it. I did not have a > very hard time and after > about 1 dozen or so calls I found a Dr. who > basically said if I was morbidly > obese and I had tried just about everything and felt > no alternative except > for WLS he would agree. Of course he said come in > and lets talk. He gave me > a complete physical, spoke to me for a good 15 > minutes about what WLS > actually is and scheduled a full blood work-up, gave > me a referral to a > pulmonologist (sp?) for a complete lung/breathing > exam -- (I have asthma) and > basically said we'll call you when we hear from the > lab and pulmonologist. > He recommended WLS about 2 weeks later. > Resa > Open DS 2-12-01 > Dr J Macura, Staten Island, NY > down 48 lbs a/o today(3 mo anni) > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Dr Ren is in the Oxford plan but you need a referral dont you ? Sharon in NY --- Lynette Settles lgsettles@...> wrote: > It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital > does bariatric surgery > and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone > have any wisdom about > this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I > keep hearing about Gagner > in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of > network. > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Dr Ren is in the Oxford plan but you need a referral dont you ? Sharon in NY --- Lynette Settles lgsettles@...> wrote: > It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital > does bariatric surgery > and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone > have any wisdom about > this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I > keep hearing about Gagner > in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of > network. > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2001 Report Share Posted May 12, 2001 Dr Ren is in the Oxford plan but you need a referral dont you ? Sharon in NY --- Lynette Settles lgsettles@...> wrote: > It turns out that Staten Island University Hospital > does bariatric surgery > and they are in the Oxford Liberty Plan. Does anyone > have any wisdom about > this group? Anyone gotten any work done there? I > keep hearing about Gagner > in NYC, but I simply can't afford to go out of > network. > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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