The good, bad, and ugly about U.W. and/or Virginia Mason

Hi,
My sister is pursuing rny, and her insurance, (Uniform), requires that she go to one or the other.  I'd love to hear any feedback from your experiences so I can let her know.
Thanks,
Sheryl

Hi, Sheryl.  I had my lapband surgery done by Dr Hunter at Virginia Mason. 

I could not be happier with my choice in facility and Surgeon.  The Federal Way Virginia Mason Clinic is the most effeciently ran Clinic I've ever been to.  Almost no wait times once you're checked in for your appointment and they're very good about setting up  appointments with different specialists (Dietician, Lab, Dr) on the same day.  This really cuts down on travel for those that have a long drive.  The one-way trip for me is about a 40 minutes.  

Dr. Hunter is awesome!  His bedside manner is great.... a kind, caring individual.  He has a good reputation based on feedback on this board and that is what helped me make my decision to select him as my Surgeon. 

Uniform was great to work with.  I had an awesome Case Manager and everything moved along smoothly from start to finish.

Best of luck to your sister.  However cumbersome the process may seem, it is SO worth it in the end! 

Regards,
Sandi

Thanks, Sandi.  I'll let her know.  Sheesh, the short wait times make me want to switch.  I waited an hour for my appointment yesterday!
Thanks,
Sheryl

I haven't been to either, but the MSN home page tonight has a link to the "America's Best Hospital" and U of W is on the list. I was just reading it and then your post.

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-docu mentid=100241997

I had my surgery at the UW and I have no regrets. My doctor (Andrew Wright) was the best. Everyone took awesome care of me. If you have anymore questions to feel free to let me know.

Kathleen

I had my RNY with Dr. Hunter at Virginia Mason.  From my first appointment and throughout the process, they made me feel totally comfortable and I knew I was in the right place.  I love Dr. Hunter and his staff is awesome, especially Kat Redmon!!!  My surgery was completely uneventful, I recovered quickly and they were as excited about my progress as I was. 

I'm going to have my extended abdominoplasty on October 28 at UW Plastic Surgery Residency Program - I've heard they do awesome work and the resident I'm working with is actually done with his residency on October 30 so I'll be his last surgery before he goes off to be on his own as a Certified Surgeon.  Dr. Said is the Chief Surgeon who will be supervising my surgery and I've heard he's pretty awesome, too!  I am so excited.

Okay, so far Dr. Hunter -2, Dr. Wright-1.  Just kidding!  Thanks for the input so far.

Sheryl

Well... # 3 vote  for VM and Dr Hunter... I also really love Dr Hunter and Kat Redmon... also if your sister is planing on getting a lap band.. the Federal Way Clinic has one of the few "Lap Band " only Support groups in the area.  Also, After each FW support group,Kat Redmon sends out notes from the support group topic... itss serves a great reminder about what I need to do to be successful WLS patient. As stated before.. Dr Hunter has the BEST bedside mannor!!!

Again.. if your sister is planning on having the Lap band... while the surgery will happen in Seattle... all the fills will be done in Federal Way... usually with Kat Redmon.

Helen

Hi Helen,
Judging from the responses I've gotten here and by pm, it seems she can't go wrong with either place.  I think she's already leaning toward VM, so she'll be happy to hear there's a great doctor there with a great staff.
Thanks for your help.
Sheryl

 Hi Helen
I am with UW and in process for a Sept target date for RNY.  I am waiting final approval from insurance (Uniform also).  

I have all good things to say about the UW.  I have found that good communication is key on all parts.  Get their email and send notes and updates and questions.  Try to get your appointments combined and be prepared to be patient.  I think anywhere you go.  The truth is - the patient has just as much responsibility in the success of any surgery as the facility.  

UW has a high end facility - great team from the doctors to the support staff.  But as you know Uniform as well as many other insurances have requirements that must be met.  The facility also has requirements.  You may be ready right now - but they need to do a few more things before they are ready for you.  

You will have more work done on you to determine where are in your health.  All good - be patient.  It's like building a house - you don't want to move in until you know the foundation is set and secure.

I selected UW for many reasons.  Top 10
1.  Great team of doctors
2.  Great support staff
3.  You are a patient with them for LIFE not just for this surgery
5.  Nice facility - let's face it -sometimes you do have to wait - so you might as well like where you are waiting
6.  Private rooms in the hospital
7.  It's a teaching hospital - some may not like that but hey - someone had to teach the docs to get them where they are now.  
8.  Easy access from where I live
9.  Comprehensive outline of expectations
10.  They have always responded to my questions

Uniform - great case worker.  

Good luck
Where ever you go - keep in touch
Mary - Vashon