Disappointed

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Went to the WLS seminar today, met Dr. Gibbs and was impressed with his demeanor and track record (having been a L and D nurse for over a decade, Drs impressing me is a rarity). I was however very disappointed in that fact that he alots so few surgery slots to patients with medicare (my regular insurance doesnt cover but my medicare disability does).  I was informed that the wait, even though all the paper work, prerequirements, and referrals are good to go, would be 9 months or more.  If my regular insurance would pay or I could afford self-pay, I could have the surgery in 2-3 wks.  Very frustrating. Also, his nurse seemed less than friendly at the seminar. . .for those of you who have used Dr. Gibbs, was she having a off day or is this her general manner? Thanks, Alice

Hi Alice, So sorry about the Medicare disappointment. I'm sure you know as someone in healthcare, they pay so poorly that they have to limit the number of Medicare patients they take. At least that's how it's been explained to me. As a patient of Dr Gibbs, and someone who waited for 5 months to get my approval, I think the wait was worth it. I've had no post-op problems and am at goal. Perhaps there is a waiting list you can be put on in case there is someone who backs out or otherwise decides to cancel their surgery? Dr Baker also takes Medicare, you might check with his office to see how long his waiting list is, but I'd bet a dollar it's at least as long. I'd say Carrie not being overly friendly is not her norm. I have found her to be very responsive to all my calls, concerns, worries and issues. I can't think of a single time she hasn't returned my call by the end of the day.  Take care, don't give up.....it's more than worth it!!!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know in the scheme of things 9 mo isnt that long, its just that I have two disabled children and it is getting very difficult caring for them with my own health problems.  They deserve 100% from me. All my research and opinion gathering says he is one great surgeon, I am willing to wait for the expertise.  God knows I have seen what can go wrong in the hands of a mediocre surgeon. Thanks so much on the reassurance about his nurse, apparently she was having a bad day. . .we are all entitled to them. Alice

Alice I can understand your frustration. Like you I too have private insurance and medicare. I attended the March 30th seminar although I was preapproved by my private insurance a full year in advance. I had to get on medicare as my insurance only pays $4000.00. I was pretty excited once I had medicare and was anxious to have the surgery.  Although my private insurance is primary I am considered a medicare patient because of the small amount my private insurance pays. I know how hard the waiting can be, especially with the fear of current health problems worsening. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma and high blood pressure. I worry about being able to keep up with my children (11 year old quadruplets) and staying as healthy as possible. I try to stay focused on the long term benefits and try not to think about the wait.  Everytime I speak with Dr. Gibbs Office I ask them how long I should wait before I check back in with them. I want to stay in contact with them and make sure they know I'm going to wait it out but I also don't want to drive them nuts with constant calls.  I did check into private pay but they assured me that if I was willing to wait they would eventually get to me. If it is available in your area, I highly recommend water therapy or water aerobics. You'd be surprised the difference it makes in your stamina, balance and overall sense of well being. Don't give up, it will happen, it just takes time.

 

 

Have you looked into other physicians in AR who might be able to get you in sooner? Or are you set on this doctor?

AmyBeth

I have sent an email to Dr. Baker's office asking if they have a shorter waiting list for Medicare patients.  I have not heard back from them. Medicare requires that the surgery be done at a Center of Excellence to be covered.  Baptist is the only one in the state, so that means Drs. Baker or Gibbs. Alice

There have been a lot of problems with Medicare ever since they made all the new rules back in Feb 2006.  I waited almost 2 years to have my surgery, but part of it was my fault for having not quit smoking.  I had my surgery in August, and at the time Dr. Gibbs and Dr. Baker started limiting how many Medicare patients they would take, and for a short period Dr. Baker actually stopped taking Medicare completely.  It is my understanding that Medicare was not paying the surgeons (and the hospital), but I believe they are back on track with paying them now.  I would definitly call Dr Baker, as I do not think he has a waiting list for Medicare patients.    Atleast I don't think he does :) Let us know how everything goes.

Thanks everyone for the replies.  The encouragement and support is much appreciated. I have emailed Dr. Baker's office to ask about their medicare wait list.  Will keep everyone advised. I don't mean to seem whiney, it just the whole insurance thing makes me want to scream.  I face it everyday with trying to get supplies for my kids.  I find it darkly amusing that my main insurance, Health Advantage, stated that they would happily pay for a liver transplant ($150,000 or more) but not for WLS.  When I stated to the rep, "so I guess the insurance is bargaining on me dying before I get to that point", the guy replied, "you know, ma'am, that I can't answer that." I will look into water therapy, I know the local hospital based fitness center has some programs, but they have got to be covered by insurance.  Every spare penny at my house goes for the kids therapies.  Plus the logistics have to fit.  The only free time I have is when they are in school (unless of course they are at doctors appointments)  which I usually save for things like laundry, grocery shopping and sleep.  Life at my house is never boring. Thanks, Alice

Alice,  Conway Regional Fitness Center has a grea****er aerobics program.  Even if you can't fit the formal aerobics classes into your schedule I think you can get a pool only membership.  Many nights I just go and 'walk' in the pool for 30 minutes and then 'soak' in the jacuzzi.  They even have a water fibromyalgia class.  They offer 'scholarships' as well as discounts for employees (or spouses) of many companies around time.  They are open 5 a.m to 10 p.m. most days so hopefully you could find a good time.  They also offer free child care.  Hope this helps.  Hang in there.  It is definitely worth the wait!!  Definitely check with Doctor Baker's office.   I used him after checking him out with serveral OR nurses that worked with him.  They all just raved about him.  If an OR nurse gives the thumbs up you know he has got to be good.  He's not mister personality but definitely professional and thorough. 

Hi Alice, Boy, do you have your hands full!  I'm sure after you have your surgery and lose weight you'll be running circles around everyone. I read you post about your children and my heart breaks for you, but on the other hand, what an inspiration your strength is to all of us. Isn't it amazing how strong the human spirit is when it comes to our children? A question:  is Health Advantage the insurance through the State of AR employees?  My DH just started working for the State and that's what we will have come Jan 1st. I sure am glad I had my surgery before he changed jobs or I wouldn't have ever had it. I went to the YMCA water aerobics for a while. $40 for 13 classes, you pick the times and frequency. Not free, but it is pretty cheap. Take care, keep us up on your journey