Testing prior to new patient exam

My new patient exam has finally been scheduled at Duke for 4/23/08 (a bit long considering I attended the info seminar on 1/18). Would it be expedious to have the testing (i.e. barrium swallow, EKG, etc.) done through my PCP before my appointment? Can these tests be done at Duke the same day as my exam? Jennifer

Hi Jennifer -

I had my surgery done at Duke last summer. I had all my tests ordered through my PCP. I didn't have any of them done through Duke. Once I had my appointment with Duke and they transcribed the information from the appointments, then it goes to Beth and she submits all the information to the insurance. You can look at my profile if you want more information on the process I went through.

Are you planning on going to the support group meeting being held  at DRH later this month?

If so, I hope I'll see you there.

Barb

P.S. I also had Dr. DeMaria. While his bedside manner leaves something to be desired in my humble opinion, he is technically very competent.

Barb: I so agree with your opinion of Dr. D. The best word I can use when describing him is challenging. I am a seasoned bandster but the first time I had to see him (bec. my surgeon had left the group) he intimidated me so bad that I did not go back to Duke for 2 years. Yes, he was the reason I cheated myself out of 2 years of success. I finally realized that I was not doing myself any favors by not going for my medical support so when I finally went in and talked to Patrick (NUT) he advised a slight unfill on my band and because it had been over two years since they had looked at it, I was scheduled for a fluro with, who else, Dr. D! I told my co-workers how much I dreaded having to face him at the hospital without Patrick or Hilary to act as my buffers and sure enough, I had to answer 50 questions before he would do the procedure. It was very unnerving but like you said, he "knows his stuff" and on the upside, it was the most pain-free band adjustment I've ever had. Starfish

Thanks to both of you for responding! I've schedule an appointment with my PCP so I can get the ball rolling on all the tests. When is the support group meeting at DRH? I would love to attend. I've been having a difficult time choosing which surgeon in the practice I wanted to do my band. I was considering DeMaria and Pryor and decided (I think) on him because I've heard what a great surgeon he is.  I may want to reconsider before my appointment. Attending the support meeting would be a great way to get more input on the doctors at Duke. I want a doctor with exceptional surgical skills and an compasionate bedside manner.

Jennifer: I do not know any of the other doctors in the practice because my surgeon has since left and moved on. But now when I go, they put me with Dr. DeMaria. Don't get me wrong. He is a very seasoned band doctor, much more so than the previous group leader in the practice. I can tell that he really knows his business but he is not a sweet cuddly doctor. He is matter-of-fact and he wants to make absolutely sure that you understand what you are doing and what it will take to be successful. I think that's why he asks so many questions because he wants to make sure that you are fully informed and that your goals are realistic. It feels challenging but I think he does it for your own good. If you want the best surgeon, I think he would be a great choice. He is very civil and you can ask him questions, but just don't expect him to be warm and fuzzy. That's what he has Hilary and Karen and Patrick for. They are the true cheerleaders. Starfish