Any rec's for surgeon in NJ?

Hey Carol: I had surgery on January 30th of this year. So far, no problems. I have lost 111 lbs with 22 more to go! I would love to get there by my one-year appt. but not sure that is possible. I think Northern NJ is a great place to live, too...can't imagine living anywhere else! Have a great day! Jersey

You know, that's what happened to me with Dr. Jean-Baptiste. His receptionist said that he was in network for CIGNA, so I went on 9/1 and paid my co-pay, and gave them my card, and they said nothing. Then I got the paperwork from CIGNA that he had charged $626 for a consultation(!) and that I was responsible for $107 of it because he was out of network. I called them, and they said that he ended his contract with them in April. So either the receptionist was wrong, or lying. At least I have 80% out-of-network coverage, so it was only $107. Of course, I didn't like him after the consultation, anyway, and had decided to go elsewhere, but that was icing on the not-delicious cake. Tami

Yeah, you have to check with your insurance company first. My insurance co. is NJ PlUS and they made me do my own search, they wouldnt tell me anything because they dont want to pay. But guess what? I am very persistant when I want something. So I searched and found out where to go. I am going to Philly because I met with the surgeon and felt very comfortable. It a hike, but I am willing to do it. Hey, I see you live in Somerset, and I am going to start a support group after the New Year and you are more than welcome to come. I live in Somerset also. Treena PS Lets be friends

If your insurance approves him - Dr. Michael Nusbaum or his associate - Dr Michael Bilof. Because of them, St. Barnabas is a Center of Excellence as designated by the ASBS (American Society for Bariatric Surgery). Give Wanda & the ladies a call - they can give you more information & help you decide. They are the *best* (OK - I'm a bit biased!) You can reach them at 973.325.9779 Good luck on your journey! P~ www.weightlossnj.com

I made an appt with Dr. Bilof for a consultation Nov. 14th. He participates with my insurane but his associate Dr. Nusbaum does not. Hopefully it goes ok :)

Hey Pamela, it's me again! Jill--BMI 39 with asthma. I have Aetna US Healthcare, POS. I just switched from HMO to POS as of Oct. 1st, because the surg. I want to go to (Dr. Brolin) is out of network only. I had to pay more than $700 a month more to go to POS. Today, I called the office and I wanted to know the exact costs of the surgery and I felt that the office manager was quite short with me. I know the surgery is 12,500, but then he said there is an assistant surgeon charge of 3,500. When I asked him how much the "usual and customary" amount that aetna usually pays, he wouldn't give me a clear answer, saying there are too many factors. If my insurance pays 70% of their usual and customary amount of $5,000, that leaves me with a big bill. I don't understand why they don't put the 12,500 and the 3,500 in the same bill and just say it's 16,000. Also he said, depending on the "rotation" on the day of the surgery, there may be no 3,500 charge, if the hospital staff surgeon is used and that is luck of the draw. Does any of this sound wrong? I feel so comfortable with Dr. Brolin, I met him 4 times already. I like that it is less than 2 miles from my house and I'd like to get as much aftercare as possible, but even with all that, the billing manager made me feel so uncomfortable, I felt like picking up and going somewhere else. Shouldn't he treat me like a PAYING customer as well as a patient? What do you think? Do you think I should have stayed HMO?

Hi, Jill! I wish I could help you re: insurance & billing, but I am just as confused as you are. I *will* say the billing manager shouldn't have been short with you; you are *definitely* a customer. If you feel comfortable with Dr. Brolin - that's the most important part. I would suggest you call your insuror and get the details on exactly what they cover. Good luck in your journey! P~

Thanks so much for your response! I do feel so comfortable with Dr. Brolin, loved the support group, loved the therapist, and the added bonus that it's like 2 minutes from my home. I just got a little taken back by that phone call--maybe he just had a bad day, because he was always very nice before that call. Thanks!! Jill

Jill, There are more surgeons besides Dr. Brolin. I like him a lot and I even went to his support group, but he is out of network for my insurance and I cant afford the headache and the financial part so I found a great Dr. in Philly that I love. Him and his staff is great. Now, I am not telling you to go to Philly, but there are other Dr.s in your network that is just as good or better than Dr. Brolin. Just be patient and do your research and try to find you someone else that you can get comfortable with. Lets be friends, I an going to start a support group after the holidays and would like you to join. I get my surgery December 15th. I live very close to Kendall Park, right next door to Stewarts. Treena

I had mine done at morristown memorial. Had the Full RNY gastric bypass. April 2005. I was 485 pounds 6x shirt, 66 waist. Now 18 months or so later I am 210 pounds, L/XL shirt depending on the cut, and a 36 waist. My surgeoen was FANTASTIC ! not only that he was a really great guy, and has a wonderful staff as well. Being that I already went through a malpractice issue with a doctor back in 92. I was deathly afraid of having surgery. I researched doctors all over NY and NJ. Dr Nicholos Bertha is who I chose to perform my gastric bypass. Not only did he come highly recommended, but I did a full back round check on him as well. He truly is a wonderful surgeon. You can find information on him, on this website. If you like you can e-mail me anytime to discuss him. Julian