Serious Surgeon Discrimination

Reader's Digest Story:
I live on Long Island and *NEED* to switch WLS Surgeons due to change in Health insurance. I'm 2.7 YEARS post op.

NO OTHER BARIATRIC SURGEON WILL TOUCH ME!!!!
It seems that....once we are "tainted" by one Bariatric surgeon, no others want the liability of getting involved in our  cases.

Had we had a bad nose job, for example, and went to a new plastic surgeon, we'd find dozens willing to take the case. But Bariatrics? Noooooooo.....we are off limits. Hell: have me sign a waiver if need be; I NEED A SURGEON NOW! I feel lost and alone.

1) what if we had to relocate?
2) what if, like me, my insurance changed?
3) what if I have my entire files, Operative report, all my records ( I do have everything!)....and am still told, "Sorry....we don't take other WLS Doctors patients."

WHAT IS ONE TO DO?? WHERE DO I TURN?
I'm lost, and will take this up with the American Association of Bariatric Surgeons but for now, I'm suffering with some sort of pain epigastric.....and have no where to turn. I'm lost.

It's discrimination; seems almost unlawful to me.
Any suggestions? Advise? Legal advise?

Thank You,
Karen

Tell your surgeon they make enough money. They should take you GRATIS.............

Karen,

Marie has a point, have you spoken to your surgeon to see if he will help you? Does your insurance pay out of network, maybe he can take the out of network payment?

Also, there are practices that will take patients from other hospitals. I know both NYU and Weill Cornell Weight Loss Surgery Program have taken patients from other practices.

I hope you can find somebody to help you!

Mary

Hey Karen :) !!! 

I am sorry that you are having pain :) I hope that you feel better soon. My father in law switched surgeons - (to Dr. Brathwaite - not sure if i am spelling his name correctly) He had no problem at all switching. Maybe call his office and see if they take your insurance and would take you on as a patient.

Miss you - hope all is well with you :)

hugs,
Britty

Hi Karen,

I am with Dr. Braithwaite and Dr. Barkan office in Mineola.  They are a very nice group.  I beleive their very open with their insurance policies.  Hope this helps.  I hope you feel better.

Trisha

Hey Karen.

Wow, that is really terrible! I am so sorry you're going through this!

Have you tried Dr. Cussatti??

631-422-0909

Best wishes,
Heather =)

Hi Karen, I know Dr. Brathwaite in Patchogue takes post ops from different practices. I can not say enough about him, his staff and Dr. Barkin. His number is 265-7000. I also know about loyalties, some times it is hard to change, but he is wonderful. Praying this helps you.


Karyn