Dr.Appel Office???????

Hey to everyone,Im looking for someone who has worked with them, I looking to know if you have to pay your deductible up front before they will do the surgery? I have been approved but they are saying that it will be next year before I get the surgery. I dont even see the surgeron until Dec 3 and then they said it would be 3 weeks after that before I would even get a date. I have met my deductible for this year and I was really hoping to have it this year. I dont even know how I will come up with all that money if they say I have to come with it before the surgery. I have cried all day about it, I have worked so hard for the last year to get ready for this surgery just to be told I will have to come up with more money. Jennifer

Did you talk to Kathy? Maybe they can schedule your surgery for the end of the month. Explain to them what your predicament is and see if they can help you out. Call everyday to see if there are any cancelations to see if you can see Appel sooner than December 3rd. Good Luck! Sherry

Jennifer, I will keep you in my prayers. I really do wish the best for you, keep praying, it will be okay. Keep us posted, and if you need anything, we're here. God Bless, TIffany.

I agree with what Sherry said. First, call the office and talk to Kathy. Explain your situation to her and ask about the deductible. That might be the hospital fee that you have to pay up front but ask to be sure. And make sure she knows that you'll take any cancellation (if you can). There are a LOT of folks trying to get their surgeries performed before year end because so many insurance companies will stop paying for WLS in 2005. Good luck!!

I had a similar situation and switched to Dr. Steinberg (much quicker process).