how do you decide how far to travel for a particular surgeon

I'm researching revision from RnY to DS.  I live in NJ - close to NY and have already called two surgeons for (appointments (Roslin and Greenbaum).  I want the best my insurance will afford me (luckily it's good :))  So it is possible for me to travel - Keshishian and Rabkin are in my plan (BCBS) but that would involve the trip to CA from NJ.  However, I'm only doing this once.  My issues are the aftercare, the follow-ups, and the trip back (long flight a couple weeks after surgery).  I'd love to hear from those in the northeast that have made long trips for surgeons.

I'd also love to hear from those that have revised from RNY to DS in the Northeast.  Who'd you use and why? 

Thanks,

Jen

Jen,

Glad to see that you posted over on the DS forum as well.

I, personally traveled from Alaska down to Washington back in 2002 to have my RNY.  And again in 2003 to have my incisional hernia repaired, abdiminoplasty, and gallbladder removal done.

This year (after trying for a year and 1/2) I flew from Alaska to California and met Dr. K for a consult -in person- hoping that this would be what turned my insurance around and help me with my RNY to DS revision, just to get denied again, and now I am in the appeals process.  My 'plan B' has always been to get down to see Dr. Ungson in Mexico if my insurance would not pay.  But, I am not done fighting yet!!!!

So, in a long-winded answer to your question -- The TRAVELING is soooooooo worth it!!!!!!!  Just a small piece to your overall puzzle to your HEALTH!!!!!!


-Jamie

Wow - you do like to travel

I'm assuming you considered Rabkin as well?  What made you choose Keshishian? I called Dr. Keshishian's office and they said that once I sent the patient info they would check to see if my insurance covered this doc and I could have all of the prep work done where I live and then fly out before for pre op stuff and surgery - is this how it was for you?

Thanks,

Jen

Can't really say that I like to travel, but for my health, the travel is a necessity.  I grew up in Alaska, and for a long time there were NO bariactric surgeons here, and around the time of my surgery, a surgeon started a practice up here, and he had done around a hundred surgeries, and the surgeon down in Washington was like one of the 'original' pioneers of weight loss surgeries, and had done thousands of them.  So, in my mind, the travel was a necessity for what I wanted.  Because I was not comfotable feeling like a potential 'gunia pig' for someone who had done around 100.  No Thank You.

It was a 50/50 between Dr. K and Dr. Rabkin.  I knew that both docs had "up front" fees.  Dr.K's is a flat $4,000.00 (You do not get any refund with Dr.K) and Dr. Rabkin's does work differently, some people get quoted $8,000.00.......BUT Once the insurance pays, then you are generally sent a refund..... depends on your insurance, so that obviously differs for each patient on how much they pay upfront, and how much the refund will be.

Yes, I can choose to have all of my pre-op stuff done up here in Alaska, assuming I will be approved.  They will just foward all of the test results down to his office.  He does like to do the EGD, though.  I can't say I blame him, cause then he can see inside before he gets you into surgery.



-Jamie

I considered both Dr. Rabkin and Dr. K. Dr. K's self pay package was a little cheaper but the deciding factor for me was that we had family I could stay with in southern California. My choice turned out to be fantastic! I could not have asked for better care.