Moving to Grand Rapids Area need help finding a PCP!

Hi all my name is Heather. My story is long so I will spare most of the details for now. Quick version I started the WLS journey in June of 2008 Then found out I was pregnant in August 2008 so surgery was placed on hole. My son was born April 2009 And 2 weeks later we found out my Husbands job was transferring us to grand Rapids from South EAST Michigan.  Oh and the best part we were losing our BC BS PPo insurance :( And our new insurance is Priority Health Yea we've never heard of it but from What I have been reading they are a beast to deal with. So anyhow my problem begins there I was going threw Barix clinics for my surgery wouldn't ya know they don't except my *NEW* insurance. So back to square one I have found Grand Health Partners. But I NEED a Primary care Physician. And Being New to the Grand Rapids area I am lost. I do not want to drive 2 hrs to see me Current Dr. Whom I love! So I need a PCP would supports WLS I am actually moving to Caledonia but will drive to surrounding areas can ANYONE help me??? I don't want to jump around aimlessly from Dr. to Dr, trying to find one who will back me up. (as well be a good permanent Dr. for myself and Hubby)
Thanks for listening to my mindless babble LOL And thanks in advance for any "referrals"
Heather

I have an Internist, whom I absolutely love.  She supported my efforts towards WLS, although assumed I would get the RnY (as it and Gastric Banding were all she was familiar with), so I am her first ever DS patient.  She is more than impressed with the DS now!  If you happen to be considering the DS, it helps to go to a PCP that is at least familiar with it, as most haven't even heard of it.  This PCP is a one doctor office, and takes her time with patients.  The person who answers her phone is not in the least bit friendly (and frankly, I don't know why she keeps her on), but Dr. Huver is worth it.

She is located in Cascade, so from Caledonia it is a bit of a drive, but not as long as I drive to see her.  For a frame of reference, she is close to the east end of 28th Street, where it meets Cascade Road.

Dr. Amanda Huver
2795 Orange Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI  49546
(616) 954-2099

All policies are different, but Priority Health approved my WLS within days.  I've never found them to be a challenge, except with certain Rx meds, but that has always been worked out in my favor.

GHP is where my surgeon practices.  There are three surgeons there, but the only one I recommend to anyone is Dr. Kemmeter.


Good luck on your move!  It really is a lovely area.

Try the advantage health office in caledonia.  I go have yet to see a bad doctor with advantage health.  they are right on 37. 

When we lived in Grand Rapids I had Dr, Kenneth Brenner.  A total hottie that works thru Metropolitan Hospital.  His office is over by 5/3 ball park.  I'm not sure about Priority health and if they take them, you might have to find a dr thru Spectrum Health(one of the other hospitals), anyway good luck on the move.

Hi Heather,
Have you checked with MMPC?  The are the largest medical group in Michigan. They offer many specialties including family medicine.  They have many locations and Dr Donald Scholten is now doing their Bariatric surgeries. He also takes PH. I had my surgery on 4/21/09, Dr Scholten did my surgery, he is AWESOME. The best part, I didn't have to pay any out of cost with my insurance.

Hope that helps you some.

Kim