PCP not taking Humana HMO a/o 1/1!!!

My husband is losing his PCP! He is contacting them to see if they'll recommend an alternate, but right now I'm a little P-O'd, because this doc is the one who insisted that my DH have this surgery, because of his foot...and has postponed seeking a referral to a surgeon on that until after the WLS. Now, I find out that we have to find another dr... Maybe it is a blessing in disguise - I have never liked his doc., but it was the only one I could get him to see! Now he'll have to change (he has to see a doctor about his foot, as he can barely get around on it. He has Charcot's (no diabetes or neuropathy tho.)) Does anyone know of any good PCP's in the Naperville/Lisle/Oak Brook/Aurora areas? Don't worry about whether they take the insurance, I'll follow up with that later, but a recommendation for a doctor who will understand WLS patients and obesity related issues would be great. BTW -- this doc is built like a linebacker (an in shape one) and calls my husband "the big guy" His office staff is always losing stuff...like referrals, and Dr's letters, and stuff like that. Anyway, if you have any thoughts on someone that would be compassionate and honest and hardworking and competent...thanks! Jennifer

hi jennifer, i'm sorry i'm not familiar with your area, so i can't give you a referral, but i just had to comment on your husband's pcp. he sounds very rude and although it's rough to find another, he deserves one that treats him kinder. i wouldn't have liked it if my dr called me the "big gal". i hope your search goes smoothly and that you find someone that is nicer! tracy

Me too! I cannot stand this guy -- but my hubby likes him, go figure. He sees him about once a month, but I think he's just a pill pusher, who doesn't really manage his care like he should. I spent about the first 12 years of our marriage trying to get my DH to a doctor, ANY doctor...he has had asthma since infancy, and hated to see one. When we got to where we were spending $120 per week on Primatene Mist, I finally put my foot down, and insisted. When he said he liked this guy, I went along with it. I'm almost feeling like it's a good thing that he will have to find someone else...we'll see.

Hi Jennifer! I also have Humana HMO. My original PCP was referring me to Rush, which had about a one year waiting list. I said forget it, and went hunting for a new PCP. I live in Lisle, too. Turns out, my options around here were slim, and since having surgery at CDH was out of the question for me (bad experiences there) I decided to go with Dr. Cahill at Little Company of Mary. He shares an office with Dr. Birhanu who is my PCP. It works out great! Dr. Birhanu saw me once, wrote the referral, I went to Dr. Cahill and was done with the whole process from start, to approval, to surgery in less than three months. I had the lapband, but Dr. Cahill's specialty is RNY. He is an EXCELLENT doctor and is well worth the trip (about 40 minutes down 88 to 294 to 95th Street in Evergreen Park). He's done over 400 RNY surgeries, minimal complications. Both doctors are in our Humana book. Let me know how it goes! By the way, Humana paid my surgery 100% and approved in less than a week. RUmor has it that will all change after the first of the year. Sunshine

Thanks! The surgeon my DH was referred to is fine, albeit at UIC, but he has done A LOT of the surgeries, and I feel confident in his skills and abilities. We had the same experience w/Humana, also. I have a $100/day co-pay for the hospital stay, but that's ALL I'll have to pay. HMOs may have their good and bad, but the less money out of my pocket the better! BUT -- I am more concerned about finding a Primary Care Physician who can quickly get up to date on a patient with a lot of unique health problems, and who understands the WLS post-op care requirements. Your PCP is also in Evergreen Park? That's quite a hike! Since my DH sees his Dr. about once a month, I don't know if that would be feasible. Anyway, thanks for your advice. Send me an email sometime...(check my profile for the address - click on the "Mailto:" link.) Thanks, again.