Dr. Brackman

I am currently going through pre- surgical testing and appointments so the dr can submit to my insurance for approval. I have United Healthcare Plus. Im told they will approve as long as the dr shows that it is medically necessary. Im 5'8 325 lbs with a BMI of 48.5, I was just hoping to find others on here using the same Doctor. He does not belong to OH. I had wanted to go with Dr. Garber, but when i called his office for information the woman who answered the phone was rude and abrupt with me. Same thing happened when i called my second choice. It wasnt until I reached the office mgr Sandy at Dr Brackmans office that i found someone who gave me their time and respect and explained what the prior offices wouldnt explain. I have my visit with the psychiatrist today and i wasnt cleared by the gastro after my endoscopy but i go back in 3 weeks and im keeping my fingers crossed. She said i have an irritation in my stomach and put me on prevacid. Anyone have Dr Matthew Brackman for their surgeon or hear anything about him?????

I am a patient of Dr. Garber...and he is fantastic. Having said that: The perceived attitude of the receptionist is *NO* way to pick a surgeon. I know a little about Dr. Brackman....mainly that he has VERY little experience. His goal is to become the lead WLS Surgeon for Canadians. So what if his receptionist is nice and sweet! This doctor is going to be performing a MAJOR procedure on you. His amount of experience is paramount in selecting a surgeon. Dr. Brackman's OB-Help page: "No members have submitted reviews for Dr. Brackman yet." I suggest you get a minimum of 2 opinions. Do not settle because you didn't like the attitude of the receptionist who took your call. YES, the office staff is an integral part but the doctor's level of experience is #1. Sorry if this sounds harsh but this is a life-altering decision. Get a 2nd and maybe a 3rd opinion.

The woman who answered the phone at Dr Garbers office HUNG UP on me. Her exact words were " We dont take your insurance, that would be out of network" click. Im not a moron, I wouldnt pick a surgeon based on the office staff. It is disheartening though when you are trying to select a surgeon and the first call you make that is what you get. The office manager at Dr Brackmans even said to me that she would give me as much information as possible and explain things to me and even contacted my insurance to get me answers i couldnt even though i may not go with Dr Brackman in the end. That meant alot to me.Thank you for your opinion though. I know several people who have used Dr Garber and are very happy with him. Im glad it worked out for you. Im only 1/2 through the testig and stuff but in the mean time im still researching EVERYTHING. 

Amanda, I'm really shocked to hear that about Dr. Garber's office.  When I first spoke w/Lisa, she explained that if I had out-of-network benefits, Dr. Garber would cost me $1,000 out of pocket.  She was sweet but sometimes rushed.  In all the conversations I've had w/Stephanie, the surgical coordinator(?) who has the contacts w/insurance companies, she has been so helpful and nice.  Maybe you want to try calling her?  It's the option that has to do w/approvals or insurance or something like that.  I called & emailed her at least 10 times when I was nervous about being approved & she was a doll.  Also, she's EXCELLENT w/dealing w/insurance companies. You can email Dr. Garber directly...he has a policy that he answers emails within 24 hours & he's great on replying.  I've met his & Dr. Holover's patients at their support group, and they just can't say enough good things about the doc's.  Also, Mercy is a Bariatric Hospital of Excellence. Just suggestions...I'm sure you're busy doing your homework!  Let us know. Karen

Thank You Karen.  It is hard with insurances and approvals and money- money is my big thing i work in retail so i like my job but the money is not great at all.  with Dr barackman he is also out of pocket and he wont cost me anything which is great. Ive had to pay for the nutrionist of course and the pyschatrist and co-pays to the other drs. Im just hoping to find out more patient feedback of his from here. He has his own webiste where you can talk to his patients.  Im thinking about contacting Dr Garbers office again, I wonder if they would accept all the testing ive already had done?

Hi Amanda, I too am a patient of Dr. Garber  anfd I totally agree with Karen. The office staff really is not bad at all you might have caught someone on a bad day. To me there is no comparison to Dr. Garber If you research you will find out that he is the best and most experienced  here in Long Island read his reviews everyone has nothing but postive things yo say. His follow up is amazing and his preop checklist is extremly thorough, you wil know l that you are physically ready to have the surgery. I am sure you will see plenty of his patients comment to you. Good luck with your decision and your journey with wls. any questions please do not hesitate to ask.  Lori

amanda,             Dr.Brackman worked with my doctor for a short period.  Dr. Braithwaite.  I met him a couple of times.  He seemed nice.  He took my bulb out of me.  (The bottle that is attached to you after surgery).  I dont know what that is called.  He seemed nice .  Then he left he wasnt there that long.  Sory that I couldnt help you that much. Michele

my personal opinion is if you email him directly and tell him the dates of your testing (recent?) he would probably be fine with them.  I know most of my testing was done w/my own doctors.  He has a recommended list, but I was free to chose my own if they were available sooner. He also bent over backwards to schedule me ASAP as my  hubby's ill & I wanted to get it done before he has potential surgery himself!     You might have to pay to see his nut as they have very strict rules about percentages of fats, sugars, protein, etc.   Let us know! Karen

Personally, I think  Dr. Brackman is  an excellent surgeon.  He did my surgery earlier this  year.  I have nothing but positive things to say about him and his staff.  I don't understand how ignorant people like Ms. I above ( "I" must stand for "I know nothing) can say such awful things about people they don't even know.  Did Ms. I even ever meet Dr. Brackman or is  she just an employee of Dr. Garber on this website to try to drum him up some additional business?  Dr. Brackman has many years of experience, and I am extremely happy I chose him.