Question:
Anyone currently working with Dr. Philip Schauer?

I have seen numerous posts on here about the length of time it takes from initial consult to actual surgery, and how busy and crazy his office is. Some of these posts are close to a year old, though. Is anyone currently working with Dr. Schauer, and what is the time frame you have been given for a surgery date, and has the office procedure/atmosphere improved lately? My son will be having surgery with Dr. Schauer (after he gets approval from ins, of course). We were just curious as to how long we may have to wait. Thanks for any help.    — Carlita (posted on December 19, 2002)

December 19, 2002
Good luck you will need it in that zoo. At least look at other facilities or read my doctors review on my profile.
   — MICHAEL Z.

December 19, 2002
Michael, I don't understand your post. I read your profile and it says your doctor was Dr. Kligman, not Dr. Schauer.
   — Carlita

December 19, 2002
If you read all the way down, he says he had a consult with another doctor
   — susanje

December 19, 2002
I have some GOOD news for you. Dr Schauers group added 2 additional partners, so there are now 4 doing surgery. The office was admittely a mess, with them spread out in different places every day. They now have a single new nice office at Magee hospital. All consolidated in one location should help the lost paperwork and such. Magee also opened that bariatic floor just for us, its very nice and having visited some surgery patients they are pleased with magee. Aske at a support group meeting he said as little as 3 or 4 months. but that was optimistic, its more like 5 to 6 to a year or more if you have insurance headaches. Service has definetelyimproved thats why those negatrive comments are getting old. You can see previous support group meetings on line here <P> http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm<P> I think Schauer has worked hard to improve service, he saw those old comments your speaking off, I personally handed them to him.<P> The delays remaining are well orth the superior level of care and testing. Not just pre op but post op as well. Dr Friday who approves all of us for Psych returned my call last year on Christmas eve, when Jen was having a rough time. The nurses or dr will ALWAYS call you back immediately too. Last year at this time Jen was a basket case. Their care and concern really helped. Honestly I would want no one else for WLS if I were starting all over today.
   — bob-haller

December 19, 2002
Well, where do I begin. Referral from my PCP to Schauer was March 2001. First appt was Dec 2001. In Feb I got a surgery date of June 17. In March they called and changed it to Sept. Finally had successful surgery 9/16/02. I am 13 weeks postop and down 73#. Would I wait again that long if I knew it would be 18 months, probably not. You are so anxious to get healthy and get on with your new life. Am I glad I had Dr. Schauer, absolutely. Office is a mess, now that they have moved to Magee, it is very nice and I saw a HUGE improvement when I went for my 3month appt this week. You want a good surgeon, when I look for a surgeon, I want a good technician, who is good with his hands, I don't care about personality. Dr. Schauer is very personable and the issues were never with him, but with the scheduling snafu's. However, at some point you have to hold him accountable for his staff so lets pray that things move more swiftly for those in the future. Magee was a great move for him from what I have seen. ALSO-- I found on numerous occasions that the squeaky wheel does get the oil, so if you have to be obnoxious, go for it, your life is at stake. Good Luck to you and your son.
   — Dana S.