Needing Courage

I just feel tired calling the DR. office to see when i will get an appt.Just get the run around every time i call.I been working on this since last year.If someone have any advice please let me know.

Hi Ida, I have little advice, but to stay committed for the long haul. I have a good friend of mine who is using the same doctor as you and it's possibly three times longer of a process than any other. It usually takes several months, but with this office, it takes a couple of years. They might not admit it, but it's geared that way. Also, the person coordinating bariatric patients is about 7 months pregnant as well as discouragingly rude when she's not pregnant. She's been out of the office from time to time and when she's not there, all stalls in the process for everyone. The key to this process is determination. Like many insurance carriers, this process is geared to lenghtening the time and discourage people to give up before having surgery. I don't know if it helps, but at least you know that you win by not giving up. I pray you get the courage you seek because that's exactly what you need to see this process out. Keep the faith, Frances

Dear Ida, I don't know, but getting the runaround and reading the post about your doctor here by Frances, is getting me a bit concerned, maybe you should look into getting a different surgeon? Are you limited to that particular doctor because of your insurance? I have a wonderful surgeon in New Orleans who is always accepting new patients, feel free to contact me for his info, and give them a call, maybe you can get the wheels turning quicker that way. It took me three months from my first visit till my surgery date. Keep in mind, your insurance may be what holds you up if you are not able to use a different surgeon, so keep on going, if you are persistent, you will succeed ~Andrea ~

Dear Ida: My surgeon is Dr Chung in Lake Charles...he has an awesome bariatric coordinator Marcie who is great at insurance issues. They will give you an answer very quickly, as with mine. I know he has done some friends of mine in your area, and has been great for them because he is only an hour away. They have great aftercare program as well. Give them a shout and see if Marcie can help you. LF

Hi Laurie,I called dr chungs office,the coordinator ,marcie is only nice if you have regular insurance,he dosent do medicaid patients,and it really sucks. There was a law that past awhile back that medicaid and medicare covers bariatric surgury,so they should take it ,but they dont,the only dr taking medicaid is dr scott in new oreleans,its rediculus SueElla

Laurie, Marcie, is my daughter and my coordinator through my surgeon, Dr. Keith Chung. I can tell you from experience that you are 100% wrong. If you have any doubt, just go look at the testimonials listed under Dr. Chung's comment section. As for Medicaid having a "law" covering the surgery....you are also wrong. Medicare has issued a "statement" that bariatric surgery (Gastric Bypass only) will be covered if and only if the patient has BOTH hypertension and Diabetes in association with morbid obesity. As for Dr. Chung...he is one of the most selfless doctors in Louisiana. He is the ONLY surgeon in Calcasieu parish that accepts Medicaid in his general surgery practice. He is a staff surgeon at the Charity hospital and the ONLY surgeon who practices there. This is INCREDIBLY selfless of him because he is basically supporting the surgical needs of the indigent of Southwest Louisiana and the surrounding areas. If he so chose to leave Moss Regional (charity hospital), they would be without a surgical service, leaving thousands without surgical care, having to travel hundreds of miles for service. As for Marcie, she does EVERYTHING she can for EVERY patient. She spents alot of time everyday trying to inform patients with Medicaid of their options. Unfortunately, the hospitals in Lake Charles performing Bariatric Surgery, (Christus St. Patrick Hospital and Women and Children's Hospital) DO NOT ACCEPT MEDICAID for bariatric surgery. THUS, DR. CHUNG CANNOT AS WELL. So, as far as Marcie not being "nice" to patients without regular insurance, you are ignorant. I'm sorry if this is blunt, but I will not allow all of her hard work over the years and all of Dr. Chung's incredible selflessness to be tarnished by your misinformation. Check into things further before you speak. You never know who you will hurt. I wish you the best in your surgery, but please, think before you speak.

Deb, Since I know you, I forgive you for addressing that to me because I know you meant to direct it to Ella. I agree with you 100% on this and I agree that before people go online and make derogitory comments, they should know the whole truth. I know that Dr. Chung and Marcie help everyone as much as they possibly can and then more, so I know that they don't deserve to be painted as if they only care about those with "real" insurance. Ella, I know it's tough finding help with Medicaid. Don't blame the healthcare providers that are trying to help you. Blame the state that is trying to deny you the care. Please use caution with your words and remember that you are talking about real people when deciding to go online and leave hurtful comments for the world to see. I believe one of the rules of this forum is NO personal attacks, as we all see when posting here. Let's keep it nice!

Hi this is to both Deb,and Luarie...im sorry for offending the both of yall. But heres the deal,I am not ignorant ,and I feel that you deb need to know your info before calling someone ignorant. My statement about marcie not being nice was due to the fact that all I kept hearing was to call her ,that she would help,and when I called her she was very to the point ..we cant help you because we dont take medicaid,that was it ,she offered no advice...And as for the law on obesity surgury ..it was past this past year,and medicaid does cover lap band and bypass,only if there are a medical type need,and its not an easy thing to make happen. Im liveing this right now,its been very hard and there has been almost no one willing to help with this. I finnally have a surgury date ,but im haveing to deal with an uncareing staff where im going ,its life,they are just like that to everyone. Im sure Marcie is very sweet ,and of course she cannot help it if they dont take medicaid...but her along with all the other health care providers should try harder to give support to those that have medicaid and need to find someone to help them..thats all im trying to say. SueElla

I wasn't offended. My daughter is the one who was attacked and offended because she really does try. You just have to understand that they are in a tight spot, not being able to accept Medicaid and they get calls daily from those who have Medicaid. I talked to her about it today and she actually showed me the e-mails that the two of you exchanged and I am not trying to be mean, but she was MORE than nice to you. I really do hate that you are having a tough time with this. Just stick around and be persistent. You will persevere. By the way, Marcie told me about the newscast regarding your story. She was touched and I know she hates that she and Dr. Chung couldn't help more. Louisiana and the United States as a whole need to be more aware and informed of the disease of obesity as well as how futile dieting and exercise is for the morbidly obese. They'll come around one day. I am living proof of someone living a new life and I owe it all to Dr. Chung. I was fortunate enough to have private insurance, but I know that makes me NO less deserving of the surgery than you. You'll get the care you need. Just stay strong and don't give up. And, remember, after surgery, (as Marcie has stated) you are always welcome at our local monthly support groups to ensure that you stay compliant. Good luck on the 5th, Ella.

Sorry I don't know any doctor's down in LA. I'm from NYC. But I had the same problem up here and I went with another doctor. I call the Cori Centers. I'm not sure if they have time down there. But I know it's a growing company. If you want I can e mail you their 800 number. Just hang in there and don't give up. You have come this far to stop fighting to save yourself from obestiy. Just remember you have alot of friend here and we are all in the same boat. God Bless Maria