So mad at St. Vincent (CCBC),can't see straight, long, whinny

New here, been lurking for a few weeks until I made up my mind if this was something I was going to seriously persue or not. Anyway. After reading many reviews about St. Vincent Charity Hospitals and Dr. Ben-Meir and the other doctors their I decided to go to one of the seminars which was tonight. Monday March 21, 2005, my babysitter cancelled on me so i ended up taking my two boys and having to put them in the rec. centers to****ch for 2 hours, semi-reasonable rate of 3.00 an hour. Go check in, was asked what my insurance company is, I tell them Medicare, she hands me a sheet of paper with other insurance companies and what they may require. Cool things are looking really good. After sitting thru 2 hours and 10 minutes of wonderful information that convienced me that I shouldn't go anywhere else but to St. Vincent, I had to get my boys out of to****ch it was closing soon, anyways Upon leaving the same blanketed blanketed girl told me that they do not do anything with MEDICAID. WHY IN THE HE!! DIDN'T SHE TELL ME THAT 2 HOURS EARLIER AND SAVED ME 6.00.

Julie, I can relate to your story! You have every right to be angry! Last year, when I made the decision to persue WLS, I made an appointment for a consultation with a WLS clinic in Columbus. I was given such positive encouragement by the gal on the phone. Hubby took a day off of work to go with me... the drive was over an hour one way... The consultation was great (cost me $85.00)... thought I was on my way... a few days later I got a call from this clinic... "We do not deal with YOUR insuracne company... oh, but you can self pay.... " uh NO!! I was Pi*** big time! $85.00, time & gasoline wasted... and hubby lost a day of work ~ for nothing! GRRRR I found answers on this board. There are other doctors.... even if I did have to drive 3 hours to get to my Dr... and My Doc's office was great about working with my insurance company ( Ins co. was difficult to get approval for WLS) I am SO glad I didn't give up! I really do believe "where there is a will, there is a way" Hang in there! HUGS ~Deb lap RNY Dr Curry 2/4/05 252.5/218/140

the tiny 6.00. I just don't know why they do this, I am sure they have the business. Congradulation on your weight loss. Julie.

Julie, Happened to me too but I had plan of Medical Mutual they didn't take! I am going through University Hospital and love the program! It is a total package......pre-op through post-op. Dr. Hallowell does the lap procedure. I am going to Dr. Jasper....and a friend just had surgery with Dr. Stellatto. If you want more information please feel free to email. They do accept Medicare from what I see! Sue....who is still waiting for insurance approval!

Hi, I had lap with dr. Hallowell, you will like the program. the doc's and nurses are good and supportive. dee

words of encouragement and alternative places to turn to. In my original post I mentioned Medicare, but it was a miss type it is medicaid -- Healthy Start. Thanks again. Julie K.

Have you checked into the Clinic and UH? I know SVCH deals mainly with Medical Mutual and Qual Choice - at least that is what I hear them say all the time - but I almost went to UH, and from what I researched, they have a great program. By the way, I'd look into whether Ben-Meir is in your plan, not vice versa. Originally when I filled out my paperwork for them, someone called me and told me I wasn't a qualified candidate. I was bummed, and started getting the approval on my own. A week later someone ELSE called me back, scheduled me with Ben-Meir, and three months later I'm having the surgery. So I'd double check their facts, and if all else fails, look into one of the other places here. We may not have much, but we have great hospitals!! Good luck! Jessica

so much pain the past 3 days, my "ticks" really blew a gaskett and I spent most of the evening lastnight in the ER, taking ultrasounds, catscans, and vikatin for the pain. Only for them to say take this 5 pk of vikatin home with you and call the dr in the morning. Pain is almost gone now so I will be getting back into checking facts out. Thanks again. Julie k.