Hey all - update

Hiya, Well, I've been researching other doctors on the mainland - looked at Jessica's Dr., and have put in some information to their clinic, but haven't talked to anyone yet, and also a Dr. Liu in Los Angeles. Then... decided to go ahead and give my insurance a call and see if it was even reasonable for me to look at out of state Dr's and they said it was okay!! All I have to do is have my PCP write a refferal, AND a note to the insurance co. to say why I need to go out of state. ALSO - they said I can get my surgery approval, just by having my PCP write them explaining why I need the surgery!! NO WAY!! It's way easier then I expected. Which is good, because the only way that Dr. Liu will submit to insurance is if he's done a consult with me. This would require one more flight to L.A. If I can get pre-approved he'll just meet me officially when I come in for my pre-op stuff the day or two before. Also - he's only making me stay 3 days after I'm released from the hospital before he'll release me to go home. Which will be cost effective. Now... Dh was using his noggin and asked me if I had asked HMSA when I had them on the phone about paying for my flight to the Mainland (I had not) and about hotel expenses. From what we understand - HMSA will pay at least a portion since I will have to fly irregardless (with there being no surgeons on my own island) Sooooo... I'm excited to find out what they say! Also - while I have them on the phone, I'm going to just double check and see if DS is covered, or if they only cover then RNY. I would go with a DS in a heartbeat if it was available, but I got the impression that it's not. Just want to verify it. Hope everyone's doing well, and feeling great, Cassandra

Hello!! When we went to San Pedro for my surgery...right on the outskirts of LA, we found Fort McArthur Inn towards the end of our time there, and it was $33 bucks a night...so if you guys are retired military or whatever I would definitely look into it...the rooms are HUGE, and more like suites--they have a livingroom, dining area, small kitchen with stove and full size fridge, and a separate bedroom. Good Luck

Thanks for the tip! If we end up going over there, I will be sure to see if we can get in! Right now, it's looking good for getting it done locally. We'll see though - I'm a skepti****il I actually get insurance approval!