Talksoupslp is the Goddess of SHBP Information!

Okay, I just spent almost an hour on hold to talk to a very rude lady at SHBP. She stated that we DO have to use the Centers of Excellence Hospitals in Atlanta and basically you are out of luck if you don't live near Atlanta.

So, SHBP peeps, don't listen to me! Listen to Talksoupslp!

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you for such a high compliment!  And a really good laugh!  I REALLY needed that today!

I will continue to try and forge ahead to get us all the information we need to make wise/educated decisions about our healthcare for the upcoming new year.

-Elli

It really is a good idea to use a center of excellence... it will be worth the drive... this is some serious stuf... Northside/John's creek etc are good choices.

CC

Okay, I have new information, or at least new understanding of the old information...

If you choose one of the United Health Care plans, a company (that is NOT part of UHC) called Optimum Health URN Bariatric Resource will be "running the show".  As a member wanting WLS, we have to call them FIRST and they will "assist" us in working through the steps for WLS.  Basically tell us what to do and when to do it.

This explains why we can't start PCP or behavioral therapy visits until January '09. 

I do not know if this applies to Cigna as well.
-Elli "the Goddess"

I saw that somewhere when I was looking. I gave up and registered with Cigna. Now, I have to blindly decide among the three hospitals and all their docs that I don't know anything about. Suggestions?

I am using Dr. Paul Macik bc a friend recently used him and he takes my insurance.  I heard great things about Dr. Christoper Hart and Dr. Dennis Smith.  They have great web pages.

Linda

What hospitals are you considering... don't blindly look at them... go in with eyes wide open

 

CC

My insurance requires I go to one of these: Emory Crawford Long, Northside or Atlanta Medical Cntr. I have had several people tell me that AMC is no good - including  a nurse who worked there. So, I am between ECL and Northside. Do you have any information on these two?
Susan

I am going to Northside.  I was there for a different surgery about 11 years ago.  They were great.  My friend just had an RYN and she was at Northside.  She had nothing but great things to say about them. Northside is a great hospital. 

MY wife had her RNY in 05 at ECL.  She had a doctor from Emory Bariatrics do hers.  Great experience.   Also, my father-in -law spent two months there having an aortic valve replacement in 01 and they were great then as well.  If I could choose them I would without hesitation.