Looking for surgeon in Springfield, MO I am new to the area.

I have UHC choice plus plan and am in need of a surgeon in the Cox health plan (they are in network) I can go to St. Johns, but only 70% is covered and the only doctors i have found so far are not in network. does anyone know anyone?

Hi I know you are looking for a surgeon in Springfield... but might I suggest Dr. Scott in Columbia? He was my surgeon and is fantastic! I work for UM Heathcare and we have United Health ourselves. I dont know but they might be in network... Might be worth exploring. Ardie

That's quite a way from Springfield isn't it? Im new to Missouri, so I don't know what's where quite yet.

I dont think Cox even has a bariatric center or not. St. Johns does have . I think Cox was going to sit one up but at the last minute decided they didnt want to fool with it. Jan

Thats what I was afraid of. I wonder if the insurance will cover more beings the other hospital doesn't do the procedure. None of thier doctors do either that I've found.

Pamela, Welcome to the Missouri board. Currently Cox network does not have a bariatric program. They tried (and I went to seminars through them on 3 different occasions) but, Dr. Chapman Olive just didn't get the program up and running. St. John's was out of network for me as well and, I wound up traveling to St. Louis to have my surgery. In hind sight I would travel there anyway for my WLS. I used Dr. Scott's partner Dr. Roger De Le Torre and Dr. Richardson assisted...he is another great surgeon you'll hear of on this board. They used to all 3 have offices together but, now I believe that Richardson has gone seperate but, I could be wrong. Anyway Dr. D. and Dr. S. have offices and do surgery and post-op visits out of both St. Louis and Columbia...which is closer for me. I also have UHC and they were in my network however they work for the Univ. of Mo. and I do as well so...I think it depends on who you work for. There are many great surgeons in Missouri...good luck on finding one and PLEASE do research and find the perfect for YOU! My surgeons St. Louis based site is www.obesesurgery.com and it has some great info to just read and you can also read the background of the surgeons. There is an email link to the nurse Nancy...you can email her for questions regarding their program or to get their Columbia info. Please don't think I'm trying to get you to use my surgeon...I'm really just offering information and there are great surgeons in the state of Missouri. Do research and what fit's with you. Good luck, -Kelli

My surgeon was out of network and I called her office and asked if there is anyway she can get insurance to cover as In network. I was told it was up to the surgeon and she OK'ed it and I am only paying $2300 out of pocket. Maybe try calling a surgeon's office and asking them about that. I always thought it was up to the insurance but I guess not.

Good to know. Maybe I'll just call and see. I don't want to have to travel so far to have this done. thanks for the advise everyone!

I had UHC Choice Plus as well for my surgery. Dr. Norbert Richardson performed my surgery - he is in network. I had my surgery done at DePaul in St. Louis but could have gone through St. Alexius also in St. Louis just as easily. It was just a personal preference for me to go to DePaul as I was familiar with that facility. Both have good programs and Dr. Richardson has privileges at both facilities. Dr. Richardson is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at St. Alexius and the program there is Newstart. While I did have the drives between St. Louis and Springfield for consultations, pre-op testing, surgery and post-surgical follow-ups, it was well worth it to me. Dr. Richardson teams up with Dr. De La Torre at DePaul - between the two of them they have well over 2000 procedures with mortality and complication rates far below the national averages. St. John's does have a growing bariatric program and I've heard good things...it's great to have this available in Springfield. But give me experience and success rate of the surgeon over location anyday. Cards Fan Springfield, MO