Question:
GETTING A SOONER SURGERY DATE

I am a stay at home Mom, approved by insurance 1/2 pre op tests complete (blood work needs to be done w/in 2 weeks of surgery). I am READY to go with support network in place. Any ideas on how to increase my chances of a sooner date etc?! When friend of mine developed a slight infection before her surgery date and it had to be postponed she said, "Well there's going to be some happy patient out there who gets to go sooner than expected". What a great attitude and HOW I WISH that may occur for me (no ill offense to anyone who may lose a date due to circumstances out of their control.)    — Karen M. (posted on September 2, 2000)

September 2, 2000
Hi, work with your surgeon and his scheduling staff. I was able to obtain a surgery date that was just a few weeks after my initial consultation. I worked with my surgeon's scheduling staff to make it happen, I WAS very nice, persistent and explained my availability and situation. I called frequently, was always very nice/friendly (they got to know me very well) and persistent. Utimately the scheduling person broke all the rules to help me out - she held a spot for me even though my insurance approval had not arrived. So I'd contact them, tell them you are ready to go with little notice and see if they will work with you on a cancellation. Cancellations do happen so it's a possibility and I bet you have a good shot. Be very friendly and nice to the scheduling people so they will remember you first if an opening comes up. Best of luck!
   — Jennifer L.

September 3, 2000
My surgeon's office called last thursday saying that they had a cancellation for the very next day, and was I interested. I could not take them up on it. But it does happen. Call them and tell them you are interested, because my surgeon's office was calling every patient that was on the surgery schedule to try to fill the hole.
   — claire C.

November 7, 2002
My surgery was supposed to be scheduled for January 16th and I got a call two days ago asking if I wanted to have it the following week either on Nov. 14th or the 21st. I never thought I would see the day.
   — Michelle G.

November 12, 2002
my surgeon just called on monday and asked if i could come in friday! my date was scheduled for dec 4...now its nov 15! I cried becuase i was so excited. My new life is starting soon!
   — sandrac131

September 9, 2004
The Kaiser at South San Francisco said they cancel an average of 20 surgeries a month - so even though I'm scheduled Nov 4, 2004, I'm getting everything in order in case I get a call!!
   — Shrinking M.

September 9, 2004
The Kaiser at South San Francisco said they cancel an average of 20 surgeries a month - so even though I'm scheduled Nov 4, 2004, I'm getting everything in order in case I get a call!!
   — Shrinking M.

September 9, 2004
The Kaiser at South San Francisco said they cancel an average of 20 surgeries a month - so even though I'm scheduled Nov 4, 2004, I'm getting everything in order in case I get a call!!
   — Shrinking M.