Changing Surgeons

Get your complete file now.  Let them know that if they cannot schedule you they must state so now so you can find a new surgeon.  Be clear it is because they cannot schedule you.

Office administration is the problem.  You are not at fault.  I changed surgeons after I was scheduled and it was easy to do.  But, you must  it immediately while all your records are current.  This way nothing needs to be redone. 

I also use Atlanta Bariatrics and will be having surgery at Emory John's Creek.  My surgeon is Dr. Christopher Hart and I have had no problems with the office staff.
 
In fact Cindy, the bariatric coordinator, has twice now gone out of her way to make sure my questions have been answered - and I have had plenty of questions.

Make a choice that you have faith and trust in.

 

I am so sorry you're going through this.  I know 1st hand how frustrating it can be to have a slow moving office staff. Read my blog...

I ended up changing surgeons, but it was a LAST resort and I only changed after careful consideration and research.  I have followed the blogs, and generally Dr. Duncan's patients got their dates a week or 2 afte insurance approval.  If  he is short staffed, I guess you are a victim of bad timing.

If you do swotch surgeons, consider the following???

1. Will you have to re-do pre-op testing? Many surgeons want you to have testing with theor people and will not let you use anybody else.

2. Will you have to pay a new program fee?  I recall from Dr. Duncan's seminar his fee was very low. Fees can go as high as $1500.

3. How soon can they get you in if you do decide on a nwe surgeon?  By the time you go to theor seminar,  have a consult with the surgeon, get your papers faxed from Duncan to the new surgeon, and get your stuff resubmitted to insurance (yes you may have to re-submit for approval to change hospitals... I did) Dr. Duncan could have already operated on you. If time is your primary reason for wanting to switch, you may cause more harm than good to your situation if you don't play your cards right.

4. Do you like Dr, Duncan and his office in general. Are there other things besided this delay that bothers you?  If you are happy with him and everything else, consider you marry your wls surgeon for life. Once they cut you, you can't switch teams again. You can't let someone else operate and go to Dr. Duncan for aftercare. 

5. Is there any guarantee you won't have a delay with the new surgeon too?  Most of them are busy. It is the nature of the business. Lots of BBW and not many hands to operate on us. :-). A busy office can sometimes be a sign of a good surgeon.   You can determine whether that is the case for Dr. Duncan by speaking with some of his post op patients.

I can't tell you who to have for your surgery. It is a very personal and sacred choice. YOu have to choose someone you trust and can communicate with. It helps that Dr. Duncan is easy on the eyes too :-) because you have to look at this person for the rest of your life at least once a year.
I just hope you look at your choice from every angle and don't act out of emotion and make a rash decision


       

IF you will read some past post concerning this Group of Dr, you will see that there are many complaints just like the one you are writing about..   I would go to another DR so fast,   IF they are like this now, what will it be like after you have surgery and need to talk with someone right then.  

I went to Dr Freeman in anniston Al....he is the best, ALL of his staff are great...You will not get the run around.  He has had the surgery and knows what it is like from the patient end.   a very skilled surgeon.   

Is Dr Duncan still doing surgery?   Shows him on the web site as the plastic surgeon??  How can you do both.   IF they are like they used to be, you won't know who is doing your surgery until that day. 

What you have stated is a very good reason to go elsewhere.  There are other very skilled Dr's.  Just because you are the biggest doesn't mean you are the best...Would call my INS co and ask them how do I change Dr's?   Good luck 

I have already decided to make a change.  He came very highly recommended. I have two friends that he operated on and my cardiologist also recommended him.  However, his office staff and their tactics are tacky.  I submitted my paperwork a month ago.  They keep promising to get back to me but will NEVER reply to an email or a phone call.  There is no excuse for thatl.  Once they told me that they had submitted my packet to the insurance company but the insurance company knew nothing about it.  Then they told me that they hadn't submitted it but they would get back with me in a few days.

That was two weeks ago. So I decided that my life was too busy and hectic to deal with nonsense.  I need someone who is going to be responsive to my needs.  Thus far, they have been unprofessional and triffling.

I went to Dr. Steinberg's informational meeting and was impressed with him and Dr. Rashid, who by the way, used to work with the other group.  Perhaps that's why she left. At any rate, I have an appointment to meet with him one-on-one before they even submit my docs to the insurance company.  I think this will work much better.

Best to you.  I would run as fast as you can.  As my former boss used to say, the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.

Sweetheart.... If I had known all the things that I knew *now* about Duncan, I would of *never* used him. He nearly cost me my life. I spent five long months in the hospital because he left me to die post op.

There are so many great doctors now and I am sure you *will* make the best decision for yourself. Good luck on your weightloss journey.

HiJack

Hi  Crecee... how ya doing? Down 75 pnds.... it's slowing down but I'm hanging in....

Good to hear from ya.... some people just don't learn

CC

Hi ya Chica!

You are doing awesome! You go girl. Shake your booty. Ha!

I fixed the problem that I asked you to do so no need in doing it now. Thanks anyhow.

I'm so thankful for all of your responses!!  I really appreciate your honesty. Dr Duncan was highly recommended from my PCP and a good friend, so I thought I was going the right route.
I do not want to have a horror story when this is "over". So I have changed to Dr Williams.. . My insurance company was so good to work with and all my paperwork has already been sent over. This was so much easier than even getting paperwork from Duncan in the first place.
I do have to say, the day I decided to change to Dr Williams, Duncans office called me and scheduled my surgery for Oct 27.  WOW. 6 more weeks.... GGGRRR  So. I know I'm making the right decision. I'm asking for continued prayers.. I went to Atlanta Race yesterday and I hurt sooooo bad before we even went into the race.. My back gives me fits every day and I know it's because of the weight. I do wonder though how even heavier people than myself feel.  I weigh about 280 and I'm 5'4 So I knowwwww I'm Obese. I can't wait to be thin and healthy so I can keep up with my husband and not feel embarrased by being out of breath just by walking to the dang porta potty. It sounds stupid to him I know, but It's really a big deal, That's why choosing the right surgeon is so important... I want to be the best me that I can be!!!!   Thank you again everyone for your suport, your honesty and your prayers.. I love you all!!! 

I'm glad yo were able to find someone you liked. I had to switch surgeons at the last minute too, and I don't have any regrets.

Have you received a date from Dr. Williams yet?