frustration with my surgeon's office (Dr Price)

Apparently I'm not very important.  Ever since I've finished the 3 month supervised diet, I've gotten ZERO response from them regarding my paperwork and being submitted to insurance. 

I was waiting on mjy PCP to send the letter of clearance, apparently there was some confusion about that and according to them the letter was faxed to Dr Price's office 2 weeks ago. 

I've called twice and left an email and nobody will tell me anything.  Yesterday, when I called, they pretty much said, "don't call us, we'll call you" 

She said, "we get 20 calls a day, asking us the same thing" if there's a problem with your paperwork, we'll let you know.  It will be 4-6 weeks before we know anything"

UGH!  i honestly don't give a rat's ass when I have surgery, I'm trying to pre-plan mjy life and my work schedule is done MONTHS in advance.  I was trying for a surgery date of Sept 15th, but that seems impossible since nobody will give me an answer, I've postponed it 3 weeks and said I needed off from Oct 6-Nov 7th.  I can't wait 4 more weeks to let my boss know I need off for for 4 weeks, it just doesn't work that way.  I have 2 jobs, I work 60 hours a week, and allI I need is a confirmation that the ball is rolling and what can I expect.

I feel very ignored, and uncomfortable with them. If I had a choice, I'd probably consider another surgeon.

I also emailed the nutrionist, to ask some questions and never have gotten a response.

that's comforting

Personally, I wouldnt have a doctor that is so out of tune with his staff. If you were to switch say to Dr. Hornbostel you know everything!!! I mean, they take the time to explain everything to you 100x if needed. Also, I called last Friday and didnt get a response all day and guess what? I got a call that evening around 8-9:00 Pm. Margie said she didnt want me going the whole weekend wondering.... If you are having these kids of reservations, I would take it for what it is and RUN!! I wouldnt settle for a doctor that treats you as a #. You deserve to be treated for the human being you are. You are giving them your money if it is through insurance or not. I definately would look into other options. I dont see why you would have to wait that long anyways? I knew my surgery date the day of my 1st appt. The only reason I had to wait the 6 months is because my insurance requires a 6 month physician supervised diet. Check around and research. This is a life ultering decision. I decided on Dr. H because he has the MOST surgeries under his belt with the least amount of complications and death. I drive 3 1/2 hrs one way because in my opinion he is THE BEST! His office staff are all very nice and take the time out to treat me how I feel I should be treated. If you have to start over that just means going to a seminar and turning in your paperwork again.... yes it is a hassle but what if this Dr isnt the BEST one out there for you?? I would really think about it. I am here for you if you need to talk or have any questions...

HUGS!!! Im so very sorry you are going thru this and hope it will soon all work out for you!! Hang in there, im sure you will make it to the loosers bench sooner than you think!!
Jeanine

I'm sorry that you're having such a hard time with your surgeons office.  I was very lucky & my surgeons office was always willing to tell me what was going on & help me out with what ever I needed.  If I were you, I would call and ask for the office manager & explain to her the lack of communication you are getting.   Good Luck to you!   Angy

I completely understand your frustration and I feel bad for you. However, in Dr. Price's and his staff's defense, I've had a pretty good experience. They are hard to get ahold of because they're busy. I  find that an email to Sandy will get a response within a few hours or minutes. A message to Adrianne sometimes can take until the next day. I think it's because they're super busy. There have been a lot of changes to their office lately and I think they're still adjusting. It took me a while to get approved, but not because of the office, it was my insurance who lost my file and said they didn't have it. Come to find out I'd been approved within 1 week and that was back in June. The bottom line is that I am approved and I'm having surgery.
I truly believe that Dr. Price is the right doctor for me. With that said, I also believe that some doctors and patients just don't work well together. Perhaps that is the issue. I don't think that you're unimportant at all and I'm sorry that you've had such an unpleasant experience.

HUGS!
Brandy

ya know to be honest, I'm not sure if Dr Price is the right surgeon for me or not. I've only met him once and that was back in February.  I haven't a clue really.  I understand they are busy.  I emailed Sandy right after you gave me the address, I've gotten NO response.  I don't have a choice to where I can go, unfortunately.  I work at St.Lukes and have their insurance, they only cover the surgery if I go there.  I'd have to pay cash if I went somewhere else. 

I tried calling my insurance and as of yesterday they had not received anything, it's been 2 weeks since my stuff was supposedly sent (although I don't have confirmation of that) You'd think insurance would have something by now.

It's not that I mind waiting, I just want an answer.

Good luck with everything Brandy.  I wish you the best

You know, I completly agree with Lori, it sounds like possibly your dr is overwhelmed, if this is how your treated pre-op, well ,that's not so big a deal, what about post-op?! that's scary to me! dr. "h" 's patients (me included) have nothing but great thigs to say about him and his wonderful staff, he even gives you their (his and his rn wife) home and cell numbers!! you can't get more dedicated than that. If you've already completed all of the requirements for your insurance, than it shouldn't take all that long to re-route to another dr. if you want. good luck, susan

I can understand your frustrations.  My surgery was July 8th.  I had everything in in April and I got pretty irritated because I couldn't get any answers.  Then I found out a staff member left and a new person was training (the nurse).  My insurance wasn't submitted until June but I got a quick response from Aetna.

With you being an employee I would think you would get priority treatment.  Calling Nikki might help.  I did get quick responses from Sandy when I emailed.  Phone calls were not returned.

I'm happy with Dr. Price and the staff.

Good luck!!  Hope you get answers soon.

I knew karla left, but I still feel like I should get a response.  I feel like they're not really responsive.  I also emailed thelma and have gotten no response.  I'd like to have a nutrionist availabe when I have questions.

I have st lukes insurance so we'll see how long it takes to get a response, I dont even have confirmation that I have in fact been submitted!  They already lost one piece of paperwork, I'm afraid things may be lost again!

I just want some communication.

Try to be patient. If often seems like things are taking a long time but they are working on it. I had surgery in June and honestly Dr. Price is the only surgeon I would have let do it. He has a very well deserved reputation of excellence, do not let a few mishaps with paperwork get you down. Every patient calls them all day all in dire need of the surgery so it is overwhelming for them.  As far as the emails, I never received a response from them but I did get a callback at the latest the next business day. They are a rapidly growing practice for a reason. I also called Fiserv at least once a week to determine my status. I am telling you Dr. Price is worth the wait.