Frustrated .............................

Hello,  I just joined this forum, I hope you can help.  Here is my story.  I'm sorry it is so long. I called Dr. Quillici's office again. low and behold they still don't have my paper work sent to the Insurance Company for approval.  Today is March 31st.    I started this process with them Jan. 21.  I was told it would take 2 to 3 weeks for the process.  I called 1 month later and was told everything was sent.  I waited a couple more weeks and called the doctors office.  They were very short with me and said everything was sent in.  I then called my insurance company, they were very polite, they said they had not received anything from Dr. Quillici's office.    I called doctor's office again, now it is March 3rd.  I spoke with the bariatric coordinator Julie who was very short with me.  She said all was sent.  I asked her to read to me what was on the letter of necessity?  Now I find out they didn't even put both of my co-morbidities on this letter (diabetes & congestive heart failure). She said it could not be changed.  I said wait.... you have my cardiologists report and it states I have CHF.  She said she would talk to the doctor and see if he will change it. Oh, and I also gave her the correct FAX number and name of contact (Cameron) at my insurance company.    Today is March 31st.  I called my insurance company and they said they still have not received anything from the doctors office.  I called the doctors office spoke again with Julie the bariatric coordinator and she is insistent that all was sent.  I said Julie I just got off the phone with my insurance company and they have received nothing!!   She put me on hold..... came back and said OH.... we Faxed it on Friday but we see the fax didn't go through.  I then asked if she spoke with the doctor so that she could add my second co-morbidity on the letter of necessity, she said she did, and he would not change it.  (Now does that make sense)?????    Julie said she would  FAX the cardiologist report over with the letter of necessity.  It is now March 31, 2008   I'm so frustrated.  And I'm sure that is not good for my heart?????   What do you think I should do???  I'm thinking I should find another doctor?    Lindy

Hi Lindy, I am so sorry you are having trouble. A group of us have been very happy with Lite Dimensions in Fountain Valley. Amoung us, we have used all the doctors and we have all been successful. Their phone number is 714 966-2009. If you want more info, just send me a message. We also have a Long Beach area coffeehouse which meets on the last Saturday of the month (and sometimes in between), so maybe you might want to join us sometime. Good luck, and please, no heart attack. It will happen; I know it will! nancy

Hi Nancy, What fun!  all the support that is coming in.  I should have joined your group months ago. I live in Palmdale so Fountain Valley would be a very long drive.   If I do look for a new  doctor, I'm hoping to find one around, Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks. Thanks again, Lindy PS  OK no heart attach!

Lindy,

Call me tomorrow.

Liz

Hi Liz, I called Joann today and almost wanted to cry.  Your office is so supportive.   I will call you as soon as I get the twins settled. Hugs, Lindy

(((WOW Lindy )))
I am so sorry you have had all this trouble. I have Dr, Q, he was my surgeon and a top notch one at that. and Julie was always so polite to me, never a nasty word. 
The first day I went to see the dr. he submitted it to my insurance co. and it was approved with in 24 hours.

I don't know what to tell you. I am shock at the lack of care and courtisy on their part. I had my surgery almost 4 years ago when we didn't have to take off any weight before hand and didn't have to go on a 2 week liquid diet either.

This is the first I have heard of him being so insensitive. Boy I'm not so sure that maybe you might want to look around if your not happy with DR. Q. This is a big step and you want to make sure that who ever you choose you have all the faith in the world. He is one of the top surgeons but if he is getting to big for his britches then look around. Your the first person that I Have heard of that has had so much trouble just getting your paper work in.

What ever you do don't get upset as there are lots of surgeons out there that will be happy to do this surgery for you, i'm sure.

This is suppose to be an exciting time not a nerve racking time. I'm also very surprised that he didn't want to send that very important paper in to help them decided on your surgery.

The post before mine said that they have had a lot of happy people come out of there. you may want to check it out.

I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. Please don't let this upset you. as with men and women, there are plenty more in the sea!

I have not been back to see Dr. Q. in almost 3 years and maybe this is why. I know that from start july 13 first day I seen the dr. to August 21st the day of my surgery is all it took.
 I guess that 's why I don't understad their attitude at all.
Take care my friend and PLEASE STAY CALM.

Hi Jody, Thanks for such a quick reply.  Dr. Q. still has a very great reputation as a fine surgeon. Maybe there is just so many people wanting the lapband that Julie and Mary are very over whelmed.   I haven't totally given up.  Thanks again Jody, Hugs, Lindy

I can't believe how patient you have been,  waiting WEEKS between calls.  You have been so careful to allow for all the time, and more, that they could possibly have needed.  I wonder if the doctor doesn't know how awful and incompetent his office staff is?  Often doctors aren't paying attention to his office management. My doctor's office takes a week to return calls, and even one time didn't call me back.  They have also not submitted my paperwork yet to insurance company, but I haven't waited even a  fraction of the time you have.  I would probably change doctors, having lost confidence in the doctor and his office staff. I wish you all the best.  I know it will work out for you, as so many doctors really want to help people and do the right thing.  I'd write the doc. a letter in case he doesn't know how awful his staff is being.   My prayers are with you. 

Thanks!  I think I've been pretty patient also.  I have thought about writing a letter to Dr. Q explaining all of this.  I'm going to give them one more chance. Blessing to you, Lindy

I would just take things into my own hands....get your paper work from the doctor and fax it or hand carry it yourself.  Sometimes it is the easist and best way to get things done. Good luck, Diane