Question:
INSURANCE APPROVED BUT DOCTOR RETIRED-NOW WHAT?

I have been approved by Federal BLue Cross for the surgery. :) But found out the same day the doctor in my clinic who is a BC provider retired. Who has had surgery near St. Petersburg FL with BC insurance. I can either wait until they get another physician approved (possibly 2 more months) or find a another provider. HELP! I have a friend who can come down in January to help me with my 84 year old mother & disable 64 year old brother. I am under a time crunch & my anxiety is high. Please respond!    — Wakeup&fly (posted on December 30, 2005)

December 30, 2005
Surely there is another BC surgeon in the Tampa metro. I changed surgeons after I was approved, it was quite easy.
   — RebeccaP

December 30, 2005
I wouldn't think the surgeon retiring would set you back that much. Check with your clinic to see who else they can recommend that is a BC provider and your clinic can just transfer the medical information.
   — the7thdean

December 30, 2005
I've seen a lot of times that when there is not a surgeon in your network available, you are able to find one and the insurance will consider them at the in-network rates (with regards to how much you have to pay). You might want to check on that.
   — Nicki F.

December 30, 2005
go on your insurers web site and look up you surgeons specialty, and pick one of his peers that are listed, and check him out in your state board. ask about him and see what people say, and give him a call, he is probly familar with so and so retirement, and might say sure, come on in, its a done deal.
   — walter A.

December 30, 2005
Dr Mohmmad Jawad in Ocala is the Doctor who did my surgery and I just love him, I went to Ocala from St Petersburg for my surgery it's been 13 months and I have lost 110 pounds. Look at this website there is a place on here to look for a surgeon check it out. Good Luck in your search, and your surgery.
   — slpyeyed

December 31, 2005
let your insurance company know this and find out who else is on their list.
   — bygosch

January 13, 2006
Go to Dr.Rehnke at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital, here's his web site: http://www.obesitynomorefl.com/index.html
   — Michael Eak