Question:
Would you consider going to a brand new Plastic Surgeon if he was the only surgeon
Would you consider going to a brand new Plastic Surgeon if he was the only PS under your insurance network? I was just recently approved for an abdominoplasty. My choices are: A) Go to the surgeon who is OUT of network, but has a decade of experience, with good references, approximate cost to me is $3500. He would do full abdominoplasty ONLY. B) Go to the surgeon who is IN network, but BRAND NEW. He just started his practice in July of this year. He finished 3 years of general surgery residency, and then an additional two years of plastic surgery residency, several months of which was in a post-bariatric plastic surgery hospital. He would do belt lipectomy, which would be the full abdominoplasty, hips liposuctioned, buttocks pulled up. I would be out of pocket around $600 with him. I felt comfortable with him, but I'm not sure that it's not just because I would save a lot of money, and get more "fixed." HELP! What would you do? — raye (posted on November 26, 2003)
November 26, 2003
while I don't believe in scrimping on health-care IF I were comfortable
with the new doctor (who does have experience, just not on his own in
private practice), then I'd go with the newer doctor. If you have ANY
qualms at all about his ability then RUN! Just my 2cents :>)
— [Deactivated Member]
November 26, 2003
Hi Raye: Tough question! I think personally I would go with the new guy,
but that's because money is so tight. If I had the money I would go with
the experienced doctor. But I assume money is an issue with you as well?
Good luck with whatever you decide. And congratulations on your insurance
approval. Sherry
— sherry hedgecock
November 26, 2003
i would go with the new guy. They have extensive training and with him
being new he is goona do a good job on you. Doesn't want any bad reports
out there about his work. Also, it sounds like he is more up on the latest
things to do to give you the body you always wanted. If I could get all
that work done, I wouldn't even consider having "just tt"
— Delores S.
November 26, 2003
Delores said it perfectly! Besides, even the doc with 10 years of
experience had to start somewhere. I find young new physicians very
thorough and cautious. They seem to take however much time they need to see
that things are done RIGHT! Good luck.
— Angela T.
November 26, 2003
I got to agree with the other posters. The guy who did my WLS had only a
couple months experience.
— lindadougherty
November 27, 2003
I would go with the new guy. Looks like you are lucky to have all of those
procedures done for the price of one! Have you heard of any bad reports on
him. Ask him for some references from his other patients if possible. Hey
and if money's tight it may just be a blessing. Pray over it!
Hugs,
Jaunine
— onepowerfullady
December 1, 2003
My perspective is slightly different. My father was a dentist and I worked
for him. A new young dentist, right out of school bought his practice.
This new young guy was soooo good! His training was recent, his methods
"by the book" and he was smart and used only the latest
instruments and equipment. If the same holds true for surgeons as for
dentists - take the new guy.
— Margaret G.
December 1, 2003
First check the bare minimum but most important credential: board certfied
by American Board of Plastic Surgery? (easy to do on www.ABMS.org) That
means he's passed a tough test, had his cases reviewed by a group
("The Board") of experienced plastic surgeons, and been checked
out A-OK.
Next, do you like him? Would he be there to answer your concerns at 2AM or
deal with problems after surgery? Did you establish rapport?
Finally, check out pictures of prior work.
If he passes the "Triple A" test (Ability, Affability, and
Availability) go for it !
— DrL
December 1, 2003
My PS is young also. Now after having 3 surgeries done by him, I'm glad he
is. He uses the newest techniques and I have the least amount of scarring.
I went to an experienced PS who was going to cut me from stem to stern and
I didn't need it. I'm glad I went with my instincts and went with the
younger PS. It sounds like the young PS might be the better way to go
since he has worked with bariatric patients in the past. Ask him for
pictures of people he has done so you can see his work. If it looks good,
I would go with him.
— Patty H.
December 2, 2003
I prefer experience. Experience and time to me are very important. I
realize that the new physician has all of the new schooling/teaching, but
all physicians are REQUIRED to "stay in the loop" thru continuing
education every year.
— Lynette H.
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