Attn Duke WLS patients

It has been 3 weeks and 2 days since Duke recieved my application.  How long did it take before you got your new patient packet and your 1st appt date?  I am going crazy......should I call them?

Give them a call and let them know when you sent the information in and ask them what their timeline looks like. I'm sure they will let you know. I know that they are experiencing some turnover and growing pains, so things might be taking longer than they might otherwise. Either way, I think if you let them know that you'd just like to get an idea of what to expect and generally what their timeframe is, I'm sure they'd be glad to help you.

I had my surgery with them a year ago and my husband just had his first clinic appointment with them today. It took several weeks before we got the new patient packet. One of the reasons for this is that they are know doing a review of the information that you provide in your application and then providing you with a list of tests that they would like to have you have done when you come in for your first clinic appointment. I think that Ben submitted his application in late April and his appoint was just today, so it's about 2 months out and I think that is 'normal' for them. That will work out to your advantage though, because you'll be busy getting all of your tests scheduled through your PCP and gathering the results. When you get your results, it would be a good idea to ask your PCP to not only send them to Duke, but also ask for a copy just in case there is a snafu and someone doesn't get them into your record. That happened to my husband. I've contacted his PCP and I'm picking up a copy of all of his tests. I'll make a copy to keep and give a copy to Duke for his records. Now that Ben has been seen by the Nurse Clinician, the Psych and the Nut, they will have their notes transcribed and put it together with all of the test results that I'll take to them tomorrow. All of that information is put together and given to the insurance specialist; that may take a 1 to 2 weeks. She will review his 'package' to make sure that Ben has everything the insurance might need to make their determination and then she'll submit it for 'approval.' Then, it's sit and wait time. We have United Healthcare and they have up to 14 business days to make a decision and they tend to take their time. If all goes well and he gets approval, then they will schedule surgery after they receive approval ... they are now scheduling for September. If there is a 'hiccup' with the insurance, then we just start going back and forth with them to satisfy there requirements.

I know that the waiting is hard, especially when you have thought and thought about whether to do this or not ... now you've made your decision and it's time to hurry up and wait. My best advice to know that they are doing the best they can, but they are struggling in the office with resources. Also I would ask them what their timelines are for things and what will happen next ... I hope that this helps.

Good luck,

Barb

Hi I am also a DWL patient. The advice that Barb gave you is very true.  I have been in this process since May of 07 when I sent in my application. It was in July 07 before I had my first appt. I just got my surgery date which is July 22.  Be sure and get copies of all tests done and in my case I just used my PCP but then found out at the last minute I HAD to have a Cardiologist clear me, so make sure to get your PCP to get you a cardio appt. I would call and ask if I weren't sure about what tests I needed. The staff was super nice to me and were always very courteous when I called (and believe me I called a lot) it is a journey and in my case even tho it has taken som time it was good for me to do more research and educate myself about this journey. Good luck! Debbie

I called them and they told me that they recieved the app. on the 3rd and that it went to the surgeons for review on the 18 th.  Thanks so much for all the info.....it is soooo hard to be patient!!!!!

Hi, I'll add a little on to what Barb was saying as well.  If your PCP happens to be affiliated with Duke, they have a wonderful health portal that you can log onto and get your test/lab results if they are done there.  Actually, anyone can register for an online accoiunt with them where you can make appts or pay your bill, but if you get a special code from your PCP (again, if they are Duke affiliated), you can activate the clinical section to the account and can see all your test results.  My surgeon is in Atlanta, and it has been SO wonderful to be able to print copies of test results without waiting on the doc to send them to me, so that I can mail/fax them to his office.  Don't know if you can take advantage of this or not, but I'm trying to spread the word to those who might be able to take advantage. Good Luck on beginning your journey!

You can actually do this when you become a patient through DukeWLS as well. They will ask you if you want to provide your email address and they use that to communicate with you and you can set up your account.

Great advice!

B

That sounds like it will be very nice to have that option!