Question:
20 days to go pre-op, now surgery postponed for 5 mos.

Help me. My doctor's office called me today to tell me that although he is covered by my plan, the hospital I had selected is not. The only other hospital he does it at is now booked up through April. I am so devastated that I literally can't stop sobbing. I was so ready. I had done everything I had to. I've bought all the stuff I'll need, I've quit smoking, I've made arrangments with work. I've been working so hard getting into an exercise routine. The last two weeks, I admit, I've been crazy about it. You all know how it is. I just don't know what to do. I feel so hopeless. Like, I just can't wait another 5 1/2 months. Psycholgically this is just horrible. Why didn't they tell me sooner? They've know what insurance I had since June. They are the one's that convinced me I should go to this hospital. I feel so let down that I don't even wamnt to go to him anymore. Please, somebody help me thorugh this. I've left a message for the doctor, but I just don't even know what to say.    — PaulaM (posted on November 7, 2001)

November 7, 2001
I too was told by my surgeon that it would also take a real long time..So I asked him if he would mind if I changed surgeon....He said if I could find someone to do it faster then he would fax over my file.... Guess what I did....I found a wonderful surgeon....and is now 2 mos post-op and down 55 pounds. If you are not satified...try to find another qualified surgeon. God bless you
   — blank first name B.

November 7, 2001
I too had "insurance problems" and wasn't informed by the doctor's office until 4 days before surgery that it wasn't going to happen as scheduled. I was devastated. I contacted another surgeon by email who was definitely covered by my insurance and explained to him how close I was to having my surgery. He felt very bad for me and saw me in his office the next business day. He then opened up a spot in his calendar (Good Friday of this year) and I had surgery two weeks later. The original surgeon cooperated fully in sending my records to the new surgeon. Try to find other doctors who will listen to your situation. Email or write a letter. I still have a copy of the email I wrote to my surgeon. if you're interested in seeing it you can email me. Best of luck to you.
   — Jeanne R.

November 7, 2001
Paula, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I am also 20 days out and would just be so let down if it all came to a stand still. Is there any hope of a cancellation? That they can give you notice enough to leave your job? How about you approaching your insurance company and verifying they don't cover this hospital? If you're not happy with this Doctor and his staff, find another on your plan. You wil be much happier in the long run. Best of luck Kathleen
   — txkj

November 8, 2001
Thank you to each of you that responded to my pla for help. I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE that I did a little leg work myself and found out that my surgeon's office was wrong. When seeking the pre-certification from my insurance company she did not give the full name of the hospital. It is part of the Catholic Medical Centers network and listed in my plan as CMC-St. John's Queens Hospital. Apparently, without the "CMC" the health plan couldn't find it in their system. Duh... Well, it was a horrible experience. I can't put into words how hysterical I was. But, I composed myself and took care of business and all is good now. I guess sometimes if you want things done right, you have to do it yourself. I have to admit though...I am ecstatic about going ahead as originally planned, but still have a very bad taste in my mouth about Dr. Garber after this experience.
   — PaulaM