Waiting List

I was just told there is a 18 month waiting list to be seen by Dr. James Wallace at Froedert. Is this the norm? Also I have Managed Healthcare Services as my HMO thru Badgercare, they stated that I have to complete 6 month weight loss program thru my doctor every month before MHS will cover the surgery. My doctor has already stated that I hve tried various weight loss programs as well as medications without success. Isnt that good enough? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Linda

Hi Linda, I have been to see Dr. Wallace. I went to his orientation session back in May. End of June I met with him for my consultation. In July I started getting some of my pre-op testing done. In fact, I see 2 doctors tomorrow at Froedert as part of pre-op. I have a history of pulmonary embolisms and I was hospitalized back in May with several in each lung. Because of this, I cannot have surgery until November. When I told him of this, he noded and said that would be fine. No one ever told me that I would have to wait 18 months. At one point my insurance also had the requirement of documentated weight loss for 6 months within the past 2 years, too. It has since been dropped from it's clause. All insurances are different. Did your PCP send a letter to MHS stating your history? Or have him send it to Dr. Wallace if you have started the process. That might be a good place to start. Dr. Wallace's staff is putting together all the paperwork that I need to get approval from my insurance. He cannot do that until I fulfill all the pre-op requirements........which will be tomorrow. I'm still hopeful that November with be MY month. Good Luck! Marsha

WOW thats a low waiting list. I went to see Dr. Wasco, at Theda Clark in Neenah. I went to his information meeting last july, had my phyc appointment in September, and saw wasco before the end of the year and had surgery in March.

I'd be looking for a new surgeon if you ask me!! Dean Clinic (Drs Sunby and Huepenbecker) in Madison takes a while -- but not that dang long. Dr. Rebchook in Platteville (I think he would be about an hour and half from you) he is about 3 months from start to finish!!! Email me if you want more info. Gala

Linda: I called Dr. Wallace's office last October 03. I couldn't get in to see him until June of 04! In Jan 04 I contacted Dr. Armstrong at St. Luke's hospital, and I had my Open RNY with him on July 28th. HE IS AN AWESOME SURGEON! And the staff at St. Luke's hospital are wonderful! Gail

When I called in Dec 2003 I was told that the first orientation I could get into would be in August 2004 and after the orientation I could make an appointment to see the Dr. I called the office of Dr. Chiang at Elmbrook, got all my pre-op done and had surgery 7/2/04. I love his program and him as a doctor - he's great. The final choice is yours (and your insurance co) but there are alot of good programs in the area that can get you in sooner than 18 months. Good Luck!