FINALLY optimism!
HI! If you have read any of my posts or profile you know how hard things have been for me trying to get this surgery process on the go....but now I have good news for once!READ!
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8-15-06
I am so happy right now. I just found a hospital I didnt know existed that is about 45 minutes from my home here in utah called PioneerValley Hospital. A doctor works there that was a surgeon for the WISH surgical weight loss center that closed for financial reasons a couple years ago. He has loads of experience and stayed here to open his own practice so he could continue his work even after his facility closed down. Apparently very dedicated to obesity help. I have obviously had insurance issues with medicare's new rules so I admit to wincing when I asked about this doctor accepting medicare patients or if they had received approval yet for center of excellence. I was so relieved to hear her tell me that the only thing they were waiting on was a walk through inspection. And that they are the closest in Utah to being approved. Probably a couple months or so. YAY! I found someone within driving distance that will be accepting Medicare that I can get a consultation with in a couple of months! I explained that I had already been to COlorado and had the psych evaluation and the story about that. I told her that I was a candidate for surgery according to Dr. Johnell. Told her a short version of my journey this far. She was very optimistic and since they dont have a waiting list (i asked) , she told me to call back every week if I want to. She said she would be more than happy to keep me informed. OH MY STARS I found someone in UTah that was helpful and nice and understanding that listened to me! this is a first! SO this is my new plan. Hopefully all will work out. IF not I can always wait for a salt lake doctor to get approved within this year, but I am crossing my fingers over this one! Just thought I had to express my feelings and experience for you online. I try not to get my hopes up but this looks like great potential. Thanks for reading.
Dear SM,
I got real excited for my dad after reading your post. I called Pioneer Valley Hospital and spoke with 3 separate people. All stated to me that they still are not certified as a facility of excellance so, they are not excepting Medicare patients. They also said, they had no idea as to when they would be certified. I hope you have more luck. I'd love to see a facility that is certified since, my dad needs this as well.
Sincerely,
Kelli
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