Support Groups question/Dr. Bertha

I am a patient of Dr. Bertha, had my Lap RNY in 10/07.  My question is is any of Dr. Bertha's or Abkin's patients participate in any support groups?  I feel a little misled about the "Program for Life".....which no one seems to know anything about.  The other women I went through the process with feel the same way - we all go in for our followups - none of us has had any real issues.  Does anyone here have more information on their experiences with the Drs (I have been left waiting for more than 2 hours on several occasions) or their follow up/support programs?  Maybe I am just not looking in the right place or talking to the right people. Luckily, I did find a support group in my area that meets several times a week - they have been my saviors!  And I know they are a big part of my success! Any insight you can give is greatly appreciated! A

The first time I went to see Dr. Bertha I had to wait a few hours before I got in.  After having him perform two emergency surgeries on me (neither of which were related to the RNY) I was more understanding of how that could happen.  I think the Program for Life is very complete.  I do not know what you were expecting. They used to run the support meetings before the informational sessions but now the support meetings are run by various hospitals.  I know Morristown and St. Clare's Dover each have support groups. I have never attended a support meeting as my best friend had the surgery and is a big support. 

Sorry I can't give you any advice on this, but wanted to say that I'm glad you found a support group that you can count on.  Good luck with your doctor and the issues there!

Pam

I will admit I am still new to the Dr Abkin/Bertha’s practice, but (so far) I have not had any issues with their care, or their staff. I rarely have to wait to see the Doctor, however I know they can get quite busy (especially in the afternoons/night).  I have never been to a support group AT their office, but I have gone to the ones held in Morristown Memorial; Saint Peter and Saint Clare Hospitals . In fact, Doctor Abkin was at the last one held in Saint Peters .

 Where is the one that is held weekly? I may want to attend, if it’s not too far.

Another issue I forgot to mention is that I ended up doing most of the paperwork and dealing with the insurance company myself.  The office was "just too busy" to follow up on anything in a timely fashion.  Luckily, my PCP was cooperative and made sure I had everything I needed.  As you know, the insurance companies ask tons of questions, but I was not deterred.  I made sure they got everything they asked for quickly, and I know that is the reason I got approved.  If I had depended on the Dr or his staff to get me though, I'd still be waiting instead of being 6 months out and almost 100 pounds down.   I am grateful for the surgery, but I m definitely not getting the support that I thought I would from the Dr's office. 

I had the exact opposite experience.  They handled everything.  The only paperwork I had to get was the letter from my PCP.   I called the insurance person after I knew everything was in order and asked if she had submitted my paperwork.  She said she would check and call me back. She called me later that evening (around 7 PM) and went over everything with me and told me she would be submitting everything to insurance the next day.  Ten days later I had my approval. The only conversation I had with my insurance was confirming my authorization number.  I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Bertha and his staff.

I must agree with HockeyMom8016. Prior to surgery, they did all the work with the Insurance company and other doctors. There wasn’t anything I needed to do but verify the approval.

Since the surgery, they’ve been nothing but professional. They give curiosity calls concerning upcoming appointments and requirements. They will give call backs if I have a question. I will admit the call back may be later in the day - or a day or two later - but I understand how busy they are.  Plus I rather they research the answer, then give a standardized response.

The whole office seems open to any critique you can give them. I would suggest speaking to the Office Manager, or Abkin/Bertha themselves and voice your concerns. Maybe they can better resolve your disapproval. 

I too, had my surgery done by Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon and Like Tommy and Hockeyman, they have been great, and the support group are very informative. I go to St. Peters in East Brunswick but there are other support groups in Dover (St. Claires) and Morristown.

Dr. Bertha/Abkin and the staff are absolutely the best!

Please address any consern to the office manager.

Miriam

Thanks to everyone who has responded.  I am in no way implying that they are not good surgeons, but I have not received the care or concern that ANY of you have talked about from the rest of their staff.  When I have been in for followups, I have asked questions about support groups and other tools available for recovery.  I was simply looking for feedback based on the experiences of others with the doctors.   Thank you.

Every time I have been to the office there is a chalk board listing the times, dates and places of various support groups.