Who is telling the truth?

I went to my first WLS information sesson for Oregon Bariatric Center at Sacred Heart here in Eugene in August. The surgeons there said they had applied for their Center of Excellence certification (required for BC/BS insurance) and expected to have it in November. I went back to another session in November. No certification yet. I called the office. They said they were in negotiations, and it would be about a week. More than a week went by. I called in December. They said that so many centers had applied for certification, that they were behind, but had been notified that they would have their certification by mid-to-late December, but certainly before the end of the year. Well, January came along. I called again, and they said soon, but if you really want to know, call Blue Cross. I called Blue Cross, they said they didn't know, but would look into it. They called me Thursday and said that Eugene was no where close to getting their certification!! Have I been waiting all this time for nothing? I'm seeing my Internist on Tuesday. If I meet all the other requirements, I guess I'll call one of the docs in Portland. I cannot abide dishonestly and being given the run-around. I really thought I liked the docs here, but this any-day-now stuff is driving me nuts. Linda

Linda... Wow thats interesting. I would be completely frustrated. I did have my surgery down here in Eugene and found that the office staff was super nice! I dont have any advice or information but thought I would just say hi and let you know to do what your gut tells you to do!! Good Luck! Tara

Thanks Tara - yes, they do seem like really nice people, and the surgeons seem so nice and knowledgeable. I'm just completely peeved that someone somewhere along the line is not being honest. I don't know if it's the Oregon Bariatric Center or Blue Cross, but making decisions on this stuff is hard enough without getting the run around. Hopefully, I'll get the all clear from my internist and then receive a call from OBC saying they have their certification! Well, I can dream, can't I? Linda

Have you tried the Oregon Coast clinci with Dr. Tersigni at North Bend Medical center ?? Thats what an hour or so from you ?? I know he did my surgery and Im very happy with it. Gail

I need a place that is covered by BC/BS. There are two in Portland and one in Bend. The North Bend facility is not approved. Linda

I keep forgetting to GOOGLE this but, didn't they have a negligent death there or some cir****tance that cast a shadow on their care? This would impact certification, I would guess. tee

Linda, If you choose Bend make sure you do your research, I have several friends that have WLS their and are not very happy. The billing was a mes and the educational peice was not very good either. I live in Madras and I chose Coos Bay because of that. Good Luck I am sure you will find the right place for you.

Linda, Sorry to hear about you getting the run-around. I was hoping to have surgery here in Eugene, but luckily when I called them in November they told me they were 9 months to a year away from getting their Center of Excellence rating so I was able to make plans accordingly. That is why I went to OHSU for their info seminar in December. It would be much more convenient to have the surgery locally, especially for follow up and support groups, but I just did not want to wait another full year. I too have BC/BS and bariatric coverage began on 1/1/07. I was happy with the Portland seminar and staff I met at OHSU. Have sent in my paperwork and hope to have initial appt scheduled soon. Will keep you posted to how my experience is going with them if it will be of any help to you. Shirley

Thanks Shirley - I'm seeing my internist tomorrow morning. I think it would be my preference to go to OHSU if I can't have it done here. I'm so disappointed to have been given the run around. Someone asked about a negligent death -- yes, they did lose a patient, but I don't know for sure that it was blamed on the docs. I think the patient ended up with a fever and complications and didn't ask for help soon enough. I could be wrong, but that is what I heard. Linda

If you go to OHSU you have the opportunity to have the Duodenal Switch with Dr. Deveney! It is such a fantastic surgery! Be sure to read about it if you haven't yet. I eat normal, and have lost 219 pounds. I would be annoyed by the run around too. Facts need to be presented honestly, so you can make an informed decision! I hope it all works out for the very best. Best wishes to you and yours Isha 366/147/170 Reached goal 6/4/06 sw cw gw -219 GONE FOREVER www.duodenalswitch.com Eat NORMAL and Lose!!!