new to this in indianapolis

Hi everyone, I just recently decided to make this lifestyle change to improve my health and my well being!  I live in Indianapolis, and I have been trying to get an appointment at St. Francis. Can anyone who has been there give me some insight into getting the initial appointment?  I first called and left two voicemails asking for someone to call me back to make an appointment.  No one called me back.  Then I emailed them asking someone to call me to make an appointment, no one responded.  So then I filled out the online registration last Monday, and I haven't heard back from anyone yet.   Out of all the times I have called, I have only gotten a human being once, and when I told her I filled out the form, she said someone will call me.  How long should I wait, or should I start looking elsewhere?  Is this normal?  I am just very frustrated I can't get a call back, and every time I call I get the voicemail, so I never get any questions answered.  Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks in advance for the info!

Is there a particular reason why you are looking at St Francis?  If it were me, I would look at another center, since they are being difficult to contact from the beginning.

Stacy Walker

Not really, except that the surgeons there are in network for my insurance plan.  I know there are other places that accept my insurance as well, I'll just have to start looking somewhere else.  I am interested in the sleeve, anyone have good experiences elsewhere? 

I have been happy so far at Clarian, but I don't know if they do the sleeve.  Dr Mattar is wonderful, and very supportive and encouraging :)

Stacy

I would def. give Clarian a call and I guarantee you will get a human the first phone call. They do the sleeve there and will do what needs to be done to get you approved throught your insurance. They will want you first to attend an informational seminar which are free and you just need to sign up for it. Give them a call today. At the seminar is where they asked me which surgeon I am interested in and them I made my intial appt. there. Now this has been almost 2 years ago so things might have changed a bit but it will go something like that.
I am Biased and would recommend Dr. Mattar but then everyone loves there own surgeon. Hop on the Clarian website and check them out. I promise you that you will get increbile knbowledge and support. The support groups there are now 4 times a months!
Good Luck
shanna

I am a patient at St Francis and can't imagine what's going on.  I have never had a problem with a someone answering the phone.  St Francis and St V's were my only choices as far as my insurance was concerned, it has now changed to only St Francis for whatever reason St V's is off the list.  Are you calling 782-7525?

I am glad I chose St Francis, no regrets at all.  I used Dr Mandelbaum, he is a sweetheart and a very compassionate man.  When I had a reaction to the pain meds in the middle of the night after surgery he came personally to check up on me.

Jeannie

Thanks to everyone for all your advice.  I called St. F again today and got the voicemail, but this time I pressed 0 and I got a person! She told me that they are very backlogged and that is why no one had gotten back to me, but that someone should contact me by next monday probably.  she was vague but pretty nice about it.  Before I did that though, I filled out the form on the St. V website and they called me about an hour ago to schedule the consult! I was so suprized.  So I am going there next Monday, I guess if I have any doubts,  I will look at Clarian or make an appt. at St. F if they ever call me back.  I'm so glad I found this board!
Janet

My daughter in law and I both had Dr Cacucci at ST V and my son is on his way to see her too... I realllyyyy Like her!  She is so concerned about her patients.

Linda Kay

If you decide to go with St. V's - Dr. Evanson is a doll!!  (and some real nice eye candy too!)

Amen! to that!

Jacque