Who takes Oxford in NJ? Urgent need to advice.

Anyone know of a good doctor and facility that takes Oxford? I have a friend who wanted to go to St Peters who takes Oxford, but the doc doesn't accept Oxford b/c they take too long to pay. She's in central jersey and considering RNY or lapband. She needs to do it soon b/c her cobra runs out in July. She's done all the required evals (nut, psych, sleep study). Thanks.

Kahlua

I think my Doctor's group does.

Here is their link: www.njbariatricsurgeons.com/ and their phone number is 973 410 9700. Call for confirmation

You should my surgeon Dr. Sadek at Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick.  He participates in all insurance plans and there is no additional cost for the patient, which is great. 

Here is his website http://bariatricsurgerynewjersey.com/

office number 732-640-5316

Thanks for the help. Her doctor's office (Dr. Abkin at St Peters NB) just called her yesterday and informed her that another doctor in their practice accepts Oxford. He is not as experienced so they said that Dr. Abkin will assist with her surgery.

She also just found out that Oxford pays for the Vertical Sleeve as a stand alone procedure (finally!). She was afraid she was goning to get stuck with the RNY or LapBand as her only options, and since the Sleeve is her surgery of choice, she was very excited to hear that. If she doesn't feel comfortable with the level of experience they have with the VSG, she'll check out Dr. Sadek at RWJ.

Thanks again and wishes of continued success on your journeys.
K.

One of the many reasons I chose ALS is because (A) Of all the Doctors expertise and excellence, (B) knowing each Doctor assist the other during the operation. It's like getting two for the price of one and/or having "double" insurance

While I had Doctor Abkin, I would have been just as happy if I had Doctors Bertha or Iannace. Another great point is each Doctor compliments the other's Doctor's strength. What more can you ask for???

I can tell you from my research for my wife and I, Dr Sadek at rwjuh has the most experience in NJ with the sleeve procedure if that's the procedure you are interested in.  He told me he was one of the first surgeons in NJ to offer that procedure to his patients and has since done many procedures.  He is going to do the sleeve for my wife, since he said that was the best procedure for her.  I also liked the fact that he was also trained in trauma and critical care,which made me feel comfortable. 

Hi Kahlua,

I don't think you'll find anyone in New Jersey with alot of experience with the Sleeve .... it is still new to this area... and Just now starting to be accepted by the Insurance.  So of course her best choice is to find Docs with the EXPERTISE in Weight Loss Surgery.  Sounds like she's already done that with Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons.  (Dr. Abkin, Dr. Bertha, & Dr. Iannace). 

All three of these doctors are pioneers in their fields.  I have been a patient of theirs for over 5 years now and they are always there for me.  Their practice offers not only excellent surgeons but a wide range of pre-op services to help people through all those hoops the Insurance company makes us jump through before approving us for surgery. 

Even more important is their post op approach.  These docs want to stay involved with each of their patients.  They do this by monitoring their patients closely through their first year post op. Then they will ask patients to return to have annual blood work done.  This allows them to check to see if the individual is healthy and meeting all their vitamin requirements after surgery.  In between those visits they offer free support groups along with Online Support.  For those who prefer individual support they have Nutritionist and Behavoir Specialists on site as well.

I help organize some of those support groups and I can tell you that we cover quite a large area.  Patients can come in monthly to the Office in Florham Park, or St. Clare's in Dover, Holy Name Hosp. in Teaneck, St. Peter's Hosp. in New Brunswick, Morristown Memorial Hosp. in Morristown and if none of those locations work.... we've even got an ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP the third Thursday of the month right on the Docs website at www.njbariatricsurgeons.com in the chatroom. 

I honestly believe that to be a success at this we must make a LifeStyle Change.  For me, being involved with the support groups allows me to keep focused on this journey!  I believe it's easier to do so when we stop, even once a month, to remind ourselves that this is a life style change!   It's kinda of like "Pay It Forward"...  coming to Support even at 5 years out and being able to share my experiences with Newbies on this journey... helps not only them but Helps me to stay focused and continue to be a success.

So bottom line is... if your friend.... has all her clearances done and wants to move forward I think she's in the right place to do so.  Let me know if you have other questions. 

Pat

I have oxford liberty plan and my surgeon was Dr Ajay Goyal who has offices in Hoboken and Union, NJ.  His website is www.njbariatriccenter.com

I tried to see Dr. Abkin's practice but they would not accept my insurance, even though they are listed on my insurance website.  I spoke to several people and emailed them, that was in November.

 Hi Kahlua,
I too had gone to a seminar for ALS at St. Peter's--only be told later that they just recently (I went in Jan) stopped taking Oxford.  I was just curious.  Her Dr. (ALS) recommended the VSG for her?  Can you please share her height and weight?  Yours as well since you had VSG done also please.  I am 4'11 and 202 lbs.   I am going to Dr Sadek and he recommended Lab Band but I am afraid that it might not work for me and since insurance is covering this for me I would be interested if my OXford will also cover VSG for me--I have PCOS so am afraid of Lapband not working for me.  Would you be able to share your VSG experience also please.  I am trying to look up the advantages of VSG over RNY.  I appreciate any information you are willing to share with me.
Thank you.

Hi Emma,

I did speak to Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons and got some clarification about the Oxford Issue.  There WAS Confusion about the Plans, but as of NOW they do accept New Patients with OXFORD FREEDOM. No New Patients for Oxford LIBERTY.  Established Oxford Patients will still be seen.   Also  asked the doc about your PCOS question and he advised that it has been shown that patients with Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome do better with RNY or VSG rather than the Band. 

As for what will be covered... you can call your member services and see what they will pay on.  As patients we need to be advocates for ourself!  Good Luck on your journey....
 
Pat