Question:
Help! I have been approved for surgery (Gastric Bypass, Short Lim Roux en y) but I

need a Surgeon that is located in Southern California who is in the Blue Cross PPO Prudent Buyer Network (I don't have the $7,875.00 fee my current surgeon wants up fron). BC will pay the surgeon 80% of the allowed cost and my secondary ins (Great West) will pay the 20%. Does anyone know of a doctor and will you tell me about your experience? Thank you in advance for sharing information with me.    — Bernice S. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
Hi- i havent had surgery yet but i'm also in So Cal. I went to DR Philippe Quilici in Burbank.He is an amazing surgeon, and his entire program is terrific. I feel very imformed, and at ease. He has a dietician that works with all of his patients(she's been incredible), support groups right out of the same buidling. He is renowed as one of the best in the field. I think your insurance is also accepted with him. Give him a call :)
   — Goodgirl

February 23, 2003
Well I guess we all think our surgeon is the best. Mine is Dr. Stanley Klein and I am having the same surgery as you the short RNY on 3/21. He is really great, is in Torrance and does the surgery at Torrance Men. He has a web site Kleintyme.com . I am in my 50's and feel very safe with him and the surgery. Also no money up front like you I have 2 insurances. If you would like more information please just e-mail me. Good Luck Diana
   — Diana B.

February 23, 2003
Is your current surgeon in network? If so, report him to your insurance company. Since your insurance is willing to pay 80%, you shouldn't have to pay anywhere near that amount of money at all and you shouldn't be required to pay that up front.
   — garw

February 23, 2003
Check out Dr. Katkhouda at USC. He's a reknowned Laparoscopic surgeon. He did my FNY surgery 11/2001 and has since done about 150 surgeries I believe...he is very very good. He also has a website, so you can read for yourself his curriculum vitae http://laparoscopicsurgeon-online.com/about_dr.htm ...he's located at USC right about 10 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles. I'm not sure about the Short Lim RNY, so you might call his office to find out. Good luck! Dana
   — rubymoonca

February 23, 2003
I too also had that problem with Dr. Fobi (he's out of net)and posted the same question only a few weeks ago. I just seen Dr. Katkhuda <sp> at USC. Also there is a program at UCLA. They're also in network w/BC/BS. You can also try Dr. Nazarine in Beverly Hills, but he wants $3K up front. The Dr's in the USC and UCLA programs (although I believe the UCLA program is booked solid for quite some time-try anyway) haven't asked for anything up front. Also a co-worker of mine is going thru the surgi-lite program with Dr Popoola. You can also get a PPO Provider book (from your HR dept or call BC and have one sent to you) and compare network providers with the providers listed here on this site. Hope this helps! = ) Feel free to email me anytime.
   — Robin J.