What do yall think?

I decided yesterday to do more research about the doctor's in Jackson and what they offered and here is what I found out.

UMC--- Dr. Vick

15,000 for the procedure
1 year adjustment
Have to have psych eval , nutrionalist, and other medical testing, They are thinking my insurance will pay for most BUT I will be responsible for 500.00 nurse prac, 100.00 nutritionist's and the psych eval would be free since it is a university. I have to have referral from PCP. Seem to have strong support group and have an Obesity clinic for f/u for five years.

River oaks-----Dr. Carroll

14,200
$49 for the fills.

no psych eval needed if privately funded. No support group (they say they are working on it) Use the dietitian at the hospital after surgery.

275.00 for initial consultation with Dr. Carroll
Then of course all the other stuff I would maybe need.

CMMC----- Dr. Cleveland
I have pretty much decided not to use this group because I do not like their lack of human interaction when answering the phone.

So I think that is all. Please offer your insight on where I should go. I know where I am leaning but I would like yalls opinion.

Amanda

I know the phone thing is aggravating with CMMC, but if you leave a message the really do call you back. I also experimented with Dr. Vick, Carroll and even some guy at River Region and Liv Lite out of Louisiana. I chose Cleveland because his people were more organized and truly seemed sincere about getting my surgery done as soon as possible for the least amount of money out of my pocket. They worked with both of my ins. companies to coordinate the benefits before Dr. Carroll's office even started on my case. I paid and saw Dr. Carroll early March and sat around waiting. I went to CMMC's seminar on 4/19, saw the practitioner on 4/25, and had an approval for them on 5/2. I called Dr. Carroll's office before agreeing to go ahead with CMMC and they couldn't find where my paperwork had been submitted. So in a nutshell CMMC was serious about getting the job done, they have an entire staff of people dedicated to Bariatric Surgery only.

So, it becomes even more confusing . I know. The thing with Dr. Carrol is that I am having to wait until Aug 13 for my first visit. I don't dig that. I really feel like I could get this process started earlier. I guess I will call CMMC or rather have them call me so I can ask them the questions I asked others.

Thanks for adding to your friend list. You are my first friend!!

I can't speak about other surgeons, but I am really high on the Baritatric group at CMMC.  Yes, the phone thing is aggravating, but they are qualifying to be a Center of Excellence with their Bariatric program.  I had the RNY with Dr. Cummins on April 16, have lost 50 pounds, and have not had a single problem.  They are very thorough in their screening process and very thorough in the training they give you before and the support after the surgery.  Because I work for the state, I had to self-pay.  They are up front about the costs, and are very good about resolving billing issues you might have.  And they have people on staff who have had the surgery, so they know what you are going through.   We'll support you whomever you choose, and I know that Dr. Carroll has had great success with this as well (again, I have no personal experience so have no informed opinion), but you might want to check out CMMC. Good luck whatever you decide!  And in my opinion it was all worth it. Marcia

I am beginning to lean more towards the CMMC group. I e-mailed Adam today and he answered some of my questions. I like the support they are willing to give. The price is not too bad. I work in the counseling field and our big thing is treating a problem holistically and I feel like CMMC and UMC would do this better. Hmm..... Thanks for the post Marsheeeeeee!

Amanda

( I really dig these emoticons!)

Didn't see your reply until today - you're welcome.  Would you be able to come to the CMMC support group?  The meeting is next Tuesday (July 10) at ...  I think it's seven, but you can always e-mail Adam again and ask him.  The meeting is in the Medical Offices building, not the main hospital.  When you turn in the CMMC driveway off of Chadwick, it will basically be the first building you get to in the complex.  There are two parking lots, one in front and one in back.  The front one tends to fill up quickly (there is a group therapy session for post-ops before the meeting).  I usually wind up parking in back. If you are interested, I'll be happy to meet you at CMMC before the meeting.  Send me an e-mail at [email protected]. Take care.  We have patients of both the CMMC center and Dr. Carroll coming to the meetings, so you will be able to hear about both. Marcia