Questions for Dr. Hornbostel patients

I was wondering what pre-op test does he require and how soon should you have them done.  I was wondering if I could get some of the test done early to speed up the process, is this an option or has anyone every done that?  I am going to be attending his seminar Tues. the 5th but I have heard that it takes a while to get your first appt. which really discouraged me.  Any words of wisdom about how to prepared for the surgery, things you wish you would have known before your surgery???????  Thanks for your help.....

I really had a smooth surgery with Dr. H He is a wonderful surgeon and person.....when I had my pre ops I had Blood work, EKG, chest exray, and now I think he does upper GI, but I dont know for sure, they will talk about that at the seminar, and at the seminar they will give you a paper to fill out on your insurance and meds you are on, when they get that they will call you in about 2 weeks for your appointment and you will take in your doctors letter and you have to go to a psycologist and he will evaluate you and send a letter..I hope I have not left anything out.....vesta

Bev he does all the testing at the pre ops so the only outside thing that he ask me to do on my own was a psyscologist test. You could be looking around now for one that will take your insurance and get that scheduled I guess.

I only had to do the psychological testing.  I went to a super great guy in Jefferson City- If you are near, I suggest him.  I tink it was at St Mary's Psychological Services- but not real sure of that name.  I heard the Dr H's post op requirements have changed some, but I heard it along the grapewine- so I dont know how true it is.  Good luck with your persue!

The first thing you have to get done before they start working with you at all is attending the seminar.  Since you have that already on your calendar you've completed Step 1.  After the seminar there is paperwork, your consult appointment and then insurance approval.  At your consult they will give you a notebook that really helps you understand a lot about the surgery process.   The pre-op testing that Dr. Hornbostel required of me was scheduled by them and done at Bothwell.  It is done about 2 weeks before your surgery date.  Your psych eval is up to you to schedule and they will let you know when you have to complete that. Your next major hurdle will be with the insurance if all goes smoothly and your are approved promptly the date is scheduled and that is when I felt like I was "on my way". My best advice is to relax and go with the flow.  Take the time in between steps to read lots of books on they type of surgery that you would like or if undecided start making that decision. Believe me the wait is worth it.  Follow all their instructions and stay positive! 

Before they will even schedule a consultation appointment you have to have a physiological clearance done, a letter of clearance for surgery by your PCP (basically saying you are healthy enough for surgery), complete and fax a form they’ll give you at seminar and fax copies of your insurance cards.Also you have to go online and fill out a complete health history of your entire life!   have Medicare so I don’t have to wait for a pre approval, fortunately. I went to the May 5th seminar and I have already completed everything. Now I’m just waiting for them to call me with my consultation appointment-- which probably wont be till September or October. Good luck!!!