no reply from nurse or Doctor

I was called last week and told that medicare would not cover my surgery because Borgess is not a hospital of excellence. The only one in Michigan is Spectrum. I have emailed my nurse to find out whatis going on with medicare and what is being done to correct this situation and have no response. Maybe their are very few people that are affected by this criteria and I guess I am low on the totem pole fore responses.. How do I get on Spectrum's list? I guess Dr Saber does not care if he does my surgery, Barb

Hi Barb, So sorry to hear that things didn't work out like you had planned. I would keep calling Dr. Sabers office. I had some questions for Pat and it took her a couple of days to get back to me. I actually had to keep calling until she called me back. From what I know of him I don't think that he doesn't care, just might be busy. It also may take her a few days to get in touch with medicare and find out what exactly is going on. Don't give up.... I know how bad you want this surgery so keep pressing on until you get there... I am praying for you that it will all come together for you. Keep your head & hopes up!! God Bless!! Love, Kathy P.S. Do you have Pat's direct number? If not E-mail me or let me know and I will give it to you.

And email is email.... not a 100% perfect method of communication. It's possible she didn't get the email. Call Pat at 337-6333. While I had one exp of not having my call returned, I later found out that they were gone on vacation. I can promise you that Saber cares 100% about his patients. Typically she returns your call within 24 hours - however I've found that I often can reach her right away by calling her direct line. Saber tends to leave it in Pat's capable hands until after he has you on the table. Sheryl In the Zoo

The physcians who do bariatric surgery out of spectrum is MMPC Dr Baker, Foote, Kemmeter, and they can be contacted at 1877-877-mmpc or you can contact acedemic surgial associates which is Scholtens and Vanderkolk and you can talk to Anne the program coordinator and there phone number is 1888-966-6243. Both programs are great and Spectrum has a great bariatric floor and treats there patients awesome. Hope the info Helps Tricia

Barbara, Don't give up!! I have medicare as well and have been told that the hospital where my surgery will be should be certified by May 1st. (Harper in Detroit). I don't know where you were going, but since medicare just made this mandatory in February, it'll take time for all the hospitals that do bariatric surgery to finish the "paper work". I was discouraged as well, and sometimes still get that way, but never give up and never stop believing that if this is what is meant to be it will happen. Best of luck. Mary