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Topic: RE: Conflicted and need input
lost 140 lbs
Extended TT 12/072009 Plastic Surgeon Mitchell Krieger
You need to be comfortable with the surgeon and hospital. But personality aside what is his reputation as a surgeon. . Who is the doctor you are considering/not considering ? Chat with others who have experienced him and his work? The hospital needs to be a bariatric hospital of excellance. You want the best. I chose Fair Oaks because of the anestisist are all trained for baritric issues... I would never us Potomac Hospital because of their poor anestisists.
You did not mention what insurance you have? Others on here may have your insurance and could give some recommendations.
No matter in or out of your network there will be out of pocket expenses. My doctor you must attend the basic meet and greet to learn about the types of surgery before he will even meet with patients. He wants to make sure you have a clear understanding.
There will be upfront charges to the doctor that will not be paid by your insurance. 2 years ago I paid $250. I am sure they are more now. My doctor's staff did the approval part in less than 5 minutes. There classes with with nutritionist, which will be an ongoing pre and post op relationship. You will have a list of medical tests, psych eval, sleep test.
No matter we all have to be what is best for each of us. Good you are asking questions and do your research. Best of luck and keep in touch
You did not mention what insurance you have? Others on here may have your insurance and could give some recommendations.
No matter in or out of your network there will be out of pocket expenses. My doctor you must attend the basic meet and greet to learn about the types of surgery before he will even meet with patients. He wants to make sure you have a clear understanding.
There will be upfront charges to the doctor that will not be paid by your insurance. 2 years ago I paid $250. I am sure they are more now. My doctor's staff did the approval part in less than 5 minutes. There classes with with nutritionist, which will be an ongoing pre and post op relationship. You will have a list of medical tests, psych eval, sleep test.
No matter we all have to be what is best for each of us. Good you are asking questions and do your research. Best of luck and keep in touch
lost 140 lbs
Extended TT 12/072009 Plastic Surgeon Mitchell Krieger
Topic: RE: Conflicted and need input
How you feel about your surgeon is more important that being in-network versus out-of-network. You apprear to already know the difference in costs. Since you mention cost is an issue, I would get a list of in-network bariatric surgeons in your area and consult with another one (not the one you had previously). You can also ask specifically about that surgeon on this board and read any reviews. It is important that you go with a surgeon you are comfortable with. Remember, if you are not happy with your surgeon pre-op, you will not be happy with them post-op.
Top is my progress, Bottom is to Surgeon's Goal
Topic: Conflicted and need input
My insurance will cover Gastric Banding, but not Gastric Bypass, which I think I am ok with. My need for input is with my decision on doctors. I went this past Wednesday to my consultation with a doctor that turned out to be "out-of-network", but I was so impressed with him and his entire staff. I felt very comfortable there and I couldn't believe how they basically catered to me. I mean, by the time I got to the finance person, she had already contacted my insurance company and let me know what I would be approved.
I had also gone to another doctor for a consult a few years ago, who happens to be "in-network" for me now, but I was kinda left not impressed. His bedside manner was so-so and his staff took no interest in me at all, they were friendly, but they wanted the patient to do alot of their own legwork (i.e. insurance approval, nutritionist, etc.) His website pretty much leads me to believe that he hasn't changed much of his policies. I have heard that he has changed his staff and that they are much more attentive now, which is great.
So, after my ramblings here, I would really appreciate thoughts on going "out-of-network" versus "in-network"? I am aware that the "in network" costs would be considerably less out of pocket, but do I choose that over the other who is making the process seem easier? Hope I am making sense to someone here. The money does play a big factor into it too, I would most likely need financing if I were to go with the "out-of-network" one.....hhheeelllppp!
I had also gone to another doctor for a consult a few years ago, who happens to be "in-network" for me now, but I was kinda left not impressed. His bedside manner was so-so and his staff took no interest in me at all, they were friendly, but they wanted the patient to do alot of their own legwork (i.e. insurance approval, nutritionist, etc.) His website pretty much leads me to believe that he hasn't changed much of his policies. I have heard that he has changed his staff and that they are much more attentive now, which is great.
So, after my ramblings here, I would really appreciate thoughts on going "out-of-network" versus "in-network"? I am aware that the "in network" costs would be considerably less out of pocket, but do I choose that over the other who is making the process seem easier? Hope I am making sense to someone here. The money does play a big factor into it too, I would most likely need financing if I were to go with the "out-of-network" one.....hhheeelllppp!
Topic: RE: Barium Swallow??
Hi there, I have also had my first consult with the same doctor as you and they told me that I could get it done at the hospital (Reston), but not sure now that you are saying they don't take CareFirst??? I was actually hoping to have it done at RIA in Lansdown since I have gone there for all my other xrays, mammo's, MRI's, etc. I have not called them yet, but will gladly let u know if I find out anything. Keep me up to date on ur search as well.
Topic: RE: hi, I'm new....and stressed with questions
If looking into revisions, please do your homework and consider revising to the duodenal switch. From what I've read, band over bypass is just upping your risks of complications long-term without really increasing your chances of maintaining weight loss long term.
Good luck to you with whatever you decided!
Good luck to you with whatever you decided!
Topic: RE: Yipee There's Going to be a Party in Charlottesville VA
OH Support Group Leader - [email protected]
Believing in yourself makes it so much easier in supporting those who need your friendship, love, and support,so Believe in yourself First.
Charlottesville, Virginia VA FFP's Meet's every 4th Sat.
Well sorry it has taken me so long to reply. But wanted to invite you to our support group which meets once a month for those who have had surgery or not. Your welcome to join us we meet today at Raqazi's on RT 29 Ill be there at 11:30 there will only be a few of us today but your welcome to join us and chat w/ those who have had surgery and get tips to help you out. And I can chat w/ you as well. Hang in there.
OH Support Group Leader - [email protected]
Believing in yourself makes it so much easier in supporting those who need your friendship, love, and support,so Believe in yourself First.
Charlottesville, Virginia VA FFP's Meet's every 4th Sat.
Topic: RE: Gastric Bypass Surgeons in VA. Help!
Sentara Medical Group... Dr. Wohlgemuth, or Dr. Fontana... WWW.SENTARAWEIGHTLOSS.COM Great group., and fun too....
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