Question:
Has anyone heard of Dr. Ostroff or Dr. Patty at the University of California San Fran

Has anyone heard of Dr Ostroff or Dr Patty at the University of California San Francisco? My insurance denied my request to see a Physician close to my home in Fresno CA. However they did approve a consult with Dr Ostroff in San Francisco because that is who they are contracted with. This referral came on the first request from my Primary Care Physician. Is this a good sign that I will get approved? My policy does not exclude coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity. I'm getting so nervous but hopeful.    — LORI G. (posted on May 6, 2001)

May 7, 2001
I too had the same thing happen. I chose one doctor and they chose Dr. Patti. I haven't met with either one yet but I have heard good things about them. My friend had her surgery with Dr. Patti in Feb. and is doing wonderful. I called Dr. Ostroff's office and they told me July for the first appointment. uggg Fresno is kind of far to travel to UCSF. Did they tell you that you could appeal? [email protected] Let me know and good luck.
   — Kelly C.

May 7, 2001
Hello Lori... I had a consult with Dr Ostroff back in the summer of '99... and had my surgery performed by Dr Patti August 30, 1999... Dr Ostroff, gastro doc, 'screens' the patients for Dr Patti and his office assists you in setting up other appointments... ultrasound... psych eval... chest x ray... etc... all testing needs to be complete and results in before you see Dr Patti... He is my hero!!... He has no idea how he has changed my life... When I first presented this idea to my primary care doc he told me he would support me fully but he wanted me to have the surgery performed at UCSF and no where else... and he is at another hospital... I attend the monthly support group meetings at UCSF... pre ops and post ops come from miles around because of the great reputation... I agree Fresno is quite far... but any long journey starts with one step :-) If you'd like to email me direct... feel free... [email protected]... Take Care, Jo Ann
   — California J.

May 7, 2001
Ooooppps.... My correct email address is: [email protected].... please excuse my typo Lori... :-)
   — California J.

May 7, 2001
Hi Lori..I have also been referred to Dr. Ostroff and Dr. Patti by my insurance company. I have my first consult with Dr. ostroff on June 21st. I have read posts from others on the website that they are very good, but I have not had any personal experience yet. I agree that it is a very long way to go. Maybe you should try to appeal, because I have also read a lot of positive things about a Dr. Felix in Fresno, I believe is his name? Go to surgeon page and check it out.
   — Brenda R.