Trying to choose a provider in Louisiana

I'm trying to chosse a provider in Louisiana that accepts BCBS Federal insurance. I have received recommendations on the following providers. Has anyone used them and do you recommend using them? Share any experiences good or bad please.

1. Karl A. Leblanc MD MBA ABS- Baton Rouge LA USA
2. James R. Barnes MD ABS - Shreveport LA USA
3. William L. Norwood MD ABS - Shreveport LA USA

Of course, I'll just confuse you more.  Dr. Samuel Bledsoe and Dr. James Parrish do weight loss surgery in Alexandria and take BCBS Federal Insurance.  They have scheduled monthly weight loss seminars for education about all the different types.  It is a really good seminar.  I went by myself the first time and then brought my husband the next month.  I really like their staff and the way they have the program set up.  Thursday, we'll have our first bariatric surgery support group meeting.  I don't know where you are located but I would choose a doctor close by because he'll be your "doctor for life"

I would love to have someone local.  I appreciate the advice, but I went to one of their seminars.  I asked questions prior to the seminar and during the seminar.  They assured me they would look into my specific issues and get back with me.  I called several times after the seminar, but they would not return my calls. 

I went to their office about 6 months ago.  I waited and the nurse came out and handed me a packet.  I tried to ask her questions, she acted as if I was bothering her.  I asked if their was someone I could ask billing and insurance questions and she said no, I would have to call my insurance company myself.  I have been to two other providers and they are more than willing to sit and discuss billing and insurance.  I counted that as strike 2.

I tried to give them a chance, but as I completed the information packet the two experiences I had with them just did sit well with me, you know that inner voice.

I have some special health issues, along with a pass history of complications during surgery, I just cannot take a chance with just anyone.  I want to feel confident that the provider truely understands my special needs and provides reassurance.

I worked with Dr. Hargroder in Gonzales for 6 monthes last year, but could not get Mailhandlers to approve the surgery, so I changed to BCBS.  Now Dr. Hargroder does not accept any insurance and wants cash $6000.  I just cannot see paying $6000 for just him, when the total surgery would only cost $1500.

Anyway, there's a lot at stake.  I just heard good feedback about the providers listed above and just wanted to get some feedback before I made a decision.

I see you used Dr. Bledsoe.  What would you say about him as a provider that may change my mind about him?  What facility did you use for the surgery?  Did they understand VSG and provide specific care?

I don't want to try to change your mind about the doctor you use because I want you to be happy.  I did use Dr. Bledsoe and am very happy with him and his staff.  I've called a few times and had to leave a message but they always call back promptly.  Dr. Bledsoe is very knowledgeable and answers all my questions during our appointments.  Doris and Pam are wonderful people.  I don't know the insurance lady's name but she worked mine out good.  I never even called the insurance company.  They checked all that for me.   I was already castastrophic so BCBS Fed paid the whole bill.  I had some pain while in the hospital and (because of family history) they brought in a cardiologist and kept me an extra day.  They wanted to make sure everything was okay before I went home.  He even fixed my hiatal hernia.  I'm very pleased with my care from them.  I went to Cabrini (it's a hospital). I have no opinion on that. 

Well thank you very much for sharing.  I may just make an appointment at the office and sit down and have another discussion with him.  I live in Prospect, just north of Pineville, so a local surgery and provider would be lovely.

Well howdy neightbor!  I live just above Ball on the south side of Pollock.  I work at the Forest Service across from the VA.  How about you?

Look at that.  I work at the VA.  We are neighbors in two ways, home and work.

Well I have an appointment with Dr. Bledsoe tomorrow.  Pam was really nice and already penciled me in for surgery on July 12th, just in case I choose Dr. Bledsoe.  I have a busy work and work-travel schedule for the next 6 weeks and I want the surgery completed in the summer so my children can help out around the house during my recovery time.  My husband is working 12 hour shifts M-F, so he cannot be much help.

In addition to the other experiences I listed above, I've heard a lot of rumors about Dr. Parrish and Dr. Bledsoe about surgery problems.  I could never confirm the rumors, so it was nice talking to someone that had dealt with him and had a good experience.  Plus I would hate to know I had to travel all the way home after surgery from Baton Rouge or Shreveport, when I could travel less than 15 miles to my house from Cabrini.

I told Pam yesterday that you had referred me, but I did not know your real name.  If you would, call Pam and let her know you referred me.  I will let Pam know my screen name tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Okay, I will.  I just had an appointment Thursday.  14 pounds since last visit.  Also, we just had our first support group meeting on Thursday night.  They will be every third Thursday of each month.  June's will be at LC Athletic Club.  Bring exercise bands if you have them.  Vanessa will be going over some exercises with them.

do you know what their cash pay price is in alex?

No, I do not.  But I'm sure they have a price policy that could give you.