Jacqueline L

I saw that we saw Christian a few days apart. My surgeon is going to be Dr. Richards though. Maybe that means we could get our surgeries on the same day! Fun. The way Christian explained it to me was that Jennifer gets everything together after he does the appointment. Then, she has to send it to Beth Goodrich who is the Pre-determination person for the surgery. Then, Beth puts it all in tip top order and sends it off. Maybe it's just a difference in what our insurance companie require. Either way, I am planning on waiting a week and then calling back. Good luck Rachael

You are exactly correct......Dr. Melvin was my surgeon......but Jennifer got everything together and forwarded it to Beth and she actually sent the package out...... If you have questions for Jennifer or Beth be sure to email them....I found that I got better (meaning faster) responses via email than phone.....they even emailed me when I had been approved! They were great.

Hey Guys, Thanks for the info. I didn't even think of asking Christian any of that type of stuff during my appt. I guess I was full of to many other questions. I called back today to get a more clear understanding of what she had ment before ( this was of course before I had the benefit of reading your post ) And indeed my info has gone to the insurance person and will go out after they get it all worked up. Have you gone to any of the support groups that Christian wanted us to attend? I think he said to go to two. I'm going to try and do that this month, so at least I'll have that out of the way!!! Luv, Jacqueline

Hey Jacqueline, I asked my husband about this, and he said that Chrisitan didn't mention anything to us about the support groups before the surgery. Maybe this is because we live quite a ways away. I knew from the seminar that we could start going if we wanted to though. Rachael PS...I called Beth today, left a message, and she called me back within a half hour. They were moving furniture in the office all morning so she didn't start any cases until this afternoon. Just an update!

Hey Rachael, Thanks for the update. I'm not sure exactly about this for you, but I know on the sheet that he gave me ( the one that says required specialist consults and preop testing ) he has checked that I must go to two pre-op support group meeting and get them to sign my sheet. Also he's checked off that after approvel I must go to two pre-op diet education visits and then three more post op. Perhaps he tells people to go to the support groups on a case by case basis. Maybe someone else can chime in on this?!? But I know for me he told me, MUST. lol, and I do want to go, it's just that I'm busy as it is with school!!! Anyway good luck with everything. I know that I'm going to try my best to keep from worrying about all this. I'm just so nervous and excited!!! Luv, Jacqueline

Hey Jacqueline, I have the pre op sheet with the pre-op and post-op dietician visits that are required, but I don't have anything else marked. Sigh...I hope it's case by case and not that he forgot to tell me something I must do. Oh well, we will see! I am excited and nervous as well. I have two papers for school due on Monday so I am sure it will keep my mind off this. Hopefully this won't take my mind off the papers. Rachael

Rachel, Dr. Richards did my surgery, my experience was wonderful! I felt like I had top notch care at Vanderbilt! If you need a cheerleader, let me know! Warmest Regards, Kellie

Thanks Kellie. I could sure use a cheerleader and someone to ensure that the insurance company really does approve me. It's nerve racking. Thanks Rachael