Hey can you help me with this.....

OK, getting a little desprate.  I am going for the DS hopefully Lap.  My parents live in TN. their city is Marysville.  There is a Dr. in Nashville by the name of Albert T Spaw.  Does anyone know how far this is apart.  I live in SanDiego but, believe we have a lot of bait and switch Dr.'s here so Im trying to look else where.  Or, can anyone suggest another Dr. that is maybe near Marysville.  I do have Medicare.

I got on Mapquest... its about 3 hrs away.  I dont know if this will help you or not? I dont know where Marysville is.  Good luck!

Thanks, that did help.  Janna~

Hello JannaS!  Welcome to the TN board! If it's Maryville, it is very close to Knoxville.  As Melinda said, about 3 hours away from Nashville.  You said Marysville.  I hope that's not somewhere different....  Maybe someone from that area will respond.... Dr. Spaw is my surgeon for RNY.  I am scheduled for surgery on August 13th.  I can tell you that he is wonderful!!!  A very honest, Christian man.  He will take all the time you need to answer questions, etc. during your appointment. As far as Medicare goes....I have no clue!  I know you should probably call any doc you are considering to be sure they are accepting new Medicare patients....that's usually where you might find your first roadblock. Best of luck to you!   Keep us posted on your decision to come to TN for surgery! Rhonda

OK so you can tell Im from Ca. lol because its not with an 'S' .  So, three hours isn't so bad.  Thank-you for the insight.  I will keep you all posted!  Janna~

Hey...no problem.... It's Tennessee and ya never know...there can be two cities/towns with very similar names that are in different parts of the state.   Some places here really are "hicktown"....we actually have places named Difficult and Defeated! I see that Susan has posted some great info for you!  She is wonderful!   Please do keep us posted! Rhonda

Hi Janna. You need to look for surgeons in Knoxville. That is in the Maryville area. I am in the nashville area so I am not familiar with the surgeons there but I am sure you will get some responses about them from others here. Nashville is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Maryville and if you are going to be recovering in maryville, it probably is not the best idea to have surgery so far away. I hope you find someone and are able to get the surgery.

Thanks Misty!!  I was saying the city wrong too.  I'm still looking......Janna~

Hi Janna! Dr. Spaw is the only DS surgeon in Tennessee so finding a surgeon closer to Maryville would not help. He is also a LAP expert so that is a double blessing. I just happen to believe he is the best surgeon you could have but I will admit to being a little bit biased since he is my surgeon. LOL  I can tell you that he is a wonderful Christian man with a great bedside manner. He truly cares for his patients and their success. He is very easy to talk to and is willing to take the time to answer any and all questions. I don't think you could be in any better hands for this life changing surgery. I called Dawn at Dr. Spaw's office to make sure I am giving you current info on Medicare. Dr. Spaw is currently in process to become a Medicare provider. It takes 180 days to qualify to become a provider. That said, Medicare now requires a 6 month medically supervised diet prior to approval. By the time you complete this requirement, Dr. Spaw will be accepting Medicare patients. I wish you the best of luck in getting the surgery you have chosen. We each have to chose the surgery that is best for us. Dawn said for you to give her a call and she would be happy to talk to you about requirements, next steps to take, etc. Office number is: 615-284-2400, OR (I think this is a toll free number) 866-307-3059. Dawn is the insurance coordinator.

Thanks!!  I will call her.  Very nice of you to do the research.  I will keep everyone posted!!  Janna~