Dr. Micahel A. Schweitzer

I've researched some doctors (and I've read the comments on here about them), and I think I want to go with Micahel Schweitzer as my surgeon. I actually live in northern VA about an hour and a half from Baltimore. I'm hoping for the DS surgery to be done laparoscopically, so he seems like the right way to go, and, of course, when my family hears Johns Hopkins, they feel I am in good hands due to reputation.

I'm wondering if anyone could give me some details on Schweitzer? Things that I can't find online--like, for those who have had the DS by him, what size does he make your stomach and common channel? Does he use a formula to determine different sizes based on the individual, or does he have a relatively standard size he uses? How is his office when it comes to dealing with insurance filing (initial filing, appeals, etc.)?

I have registered for an information session in the beginning of August, but I didn't think these types of questions would be addressed. Do you set up an appointment for an individual consultation before you've mat all of the insurance prerequisites, or do you have to wait until after that--specifically, I have not yet completed my 6 months of medically supervised weight loss program required by my insurance. Do I have to wait the remaining 4 months before I can have my consultation, or can we have the consultation to plan ahead? I believe there is a waiting list for consults with Schweitzer, so I want to get in asap so nothing gets held up further down the line.

Jill,

I'm sorry I don't have any info on Schweitzer since I had a different doc and had RNY but just wanted to tell you that I am very impressed with the amount of time and research you are putting into your decision. I think it's great to see! Sadly, not enough people do that before-hand and then after surgery have an even harder time adjusting to the new lifestyle. Also, now that WLS is becoming almost the norm in a lot of ways, people really do see it as a quick fix, not for what it really is.....a life-long committment. Just my two cents but wanted to comment on what you are doing and I think it's wonderful!!!! Good luck to you!

I had my surgery done at Hopkins in September.  I chose Dr Lidor because Dr Schweitzer did not accept BC/BS insurance and I could not pay for the surgery out of pocket.  I am very happy with Dr Lidor and the treatment that I received from Hopkins.

I wonder if it depends on the BC/BS plan? Mine lists Dr. Schweitzer as being an in-netwrok surgeon, and there are others patient reviews here on OH that say they had him and were approved with BC/BS. Guess I will find out when I set up a consultation!

I would check with the office before the appointment.  That's what they told me.   

Hi Jill,

My stomach is about 5 ounces and my CC is 100. I think those are the starting point standard with him, HOWEVER, he does his CC and stomach sizes based on his patients needs. He does listen. I know some of his patients that have different size stomachs and different size cc's than I do for different reasons. Maybe they will chime in.

I would make your appointment as soon as you can and his office will guide you on that. I had to wait over a month for my initial consult with him. My surgery was almost 2 months from the day I was approved with insurance. Part of that was due to the holidays.

His office staff is really nice, but as with anything you deal with in insurance and medical issues, faxing, submitting, etc, follow up yourself to make sure everyone gets everything they need. Otherwise you may be sitting around assuming someone received a fax that was either never sent or never received.

I wish you the best.

Teri

I didn't have Dr. Schweitzer, but in reference to the insurance issue, I had a comment.  I also have BC/BS (Federal).  While researching my choices for surgeons, I started with Dr. Schweitzer's office.  Although Hopkins and Schweitzer's office did accept BC/BS, as a specific surgeon, he was out of network for me, so I would have had a significant out of posket cost.  I think it does depend on the specifics of your insurance policy.  Best of luck to you!

Yeah, I don't have the federal plan. I checked with my plan online, and Schweitzer is considered in-network (phew!).

Insurance is being a pain in my rear--I called them to find out what I needed to qualify (they call it "pre-certification") for bariatric surgery, and they said my doc's office had to call them to find out. So I called my doc's office, and they said the surgeon's office would call. Well, I don't want to set up an appointment with the surgeon's office if it won't be covered, so I need to know what exactly my benefits and pre-requisites are! So I called the number they gave me for my doc to call, and they said they could only give that info to medical professionals, not members. Umm, hello, why do I pay you my hard-earned $$?! So I called my doc's office AGAIN, and now I have to call their referral line...

What a pain in the rear  :P

I'm a little over 4 weeks out from my RNY surgery with Dr. Schweitzer.

Great doctor...you'll be happy with him.

For my insurance, I have BC/BS Federal, and as secondary insurance, Tricare.  Dr. S does not accept BC/BS for his surgical services, although Hopkins does accept it for the hospitalization portion of the bill.  I paid $5,500 out of pocket, and will submit my paperwork directly to insurance for reimbursement.

My insurance did not have any requirements for a six-month supervised diet, nor did Dr. S mandate a liquid diet before the surgery.  Only stipulation was no fod or drink the night before surgery.

 

I had my Lap RNY with Dr Schweitzer and he is the best doc around for WLS.  I have BC/BS State of MD that did not have him in network.  I thought so highly of him - I paid his fee out of pocket and it's worth every cent to have such a great doctor.   I read so much about him and his reputation is fantastic.  It's worth the money and the wait to have him for your surgeon!   Call the office for an appointment.