The Bariatric Center of KC

Well, my paperwork is complete and will be submitted to my insurance company (Blue Shield CA)soon. Yay!  My surgeon is Dr. Price at St Luke's, however, there is small chance my insurance may deny because St. Luke's is not on their list of "Blue Distinction" centers. The Bariatric Center of KC is, though.

In the event that I have to switch surgeons I'd love to hear from anyone who has had theirs done at The Bariatric Center of KC. How is the aftercare and support? I really love the team at St. Luke's and would hate to have to switch to a surgeon that does the procedure chop-chop style and turns me loose on my own.

Thanks

I had my Lap Band surgery there 2 1/2 years ago and trust me when I say you have no worries if you do need to change. Their practice is as far from a 'chop-chop style' as possible. They pride themselves in excellent post-op care and support groups. Dr. Hoehn and Dr. Kowalski are very caring and have excellent surgery numbers. And they are a Center of Excellence which is not an easy acomplishemnt/rating.
I hope you won't have to change cause it will cause a delay of course. But if you do I can highly recommend either surgeon at Bariatric Center of KC. Feel free to email me any questions you might have I will gladly help in anyway.
Good luck,
Connie

Thanks so much for your response! It's so good to know I have options if I need them.

I had my Lap Band Surgery with Dr. Kowalski in November. They are great at KC Bariatric. Connie is right, they are very caring and the post-op care is terrific. I hope everything goes well for you!

Dr. Kowalski did my sleeve on March 15th.  Self pay....whi*****ludes four follow up visits.  Everyone I have come in contact with has given me a business card with email so I can ask any questions that arise.  I really loved my experience!

sharon

The Bariatric Center is where I go! I have been to the seminar and first consult with Dr. Hoehn. I have had to call the office many times as I am having some scheduling conflicts with the pre-op tests, psych eval, dietitian, etc... but they are always so helpful and nice. I think anyone there would answer any question I have - stupid or not :) NO WORRIES if you have to switch.

Just an update: I attended the seminar for The Bariatric Center of KC, and I was very impressed. I submitted my paperwork for Dr. Hoehn and will be (hopefully) be getting my surgery done there.

I just had my surgery with Dr Hoehn on 3/31 and the whole experience was amazing. I'm telling you I'd do it all again tomorrow if I had to. Great surgeon, very nice and compassionate. The staff was great as well. I just called today and talked to Becky (who is sometimes too cheerful) to schedule my 2 month follow up appointment.

Great people!

does the bariatric center of KC help you with getting the proper lingo for your doctors to write in your files, so the insurance will approve your surgery?

The staff at the center make sure that you have all the proper documentation and help you meet any requirements needed by your insurance co. as well as their program. It's truly a complete program. The only thing your Primary Dr. may be responsible for is documenting any required diet (most insurance co's want a 3 or 6 month Dr. supervised diet). Otherwise you have all of your records forwarded to the center and they take care of the rest.

I highly recommend attending one of the seminars and checking out their website at:

kcbariatric.com

I've decided to have my procedure here, and I have been very impressed with how thorough they are in both making sure you have the needed documantation and requirements and in how well they educate their patients.

~Christine