Question:
Anyone have the surgeon change hospitals before your surgery?

I have been going to St. Luke hospital in Florence Ky. for Dr. Tom Sonnanstine. Recently St. Luke and St. Elizabeth merged. Because Dr. Sonnanstine was not willing to compromise the way he ran the weight loss center and because he truly cares for his patients he took a position with Georgetown Community which is about another half an hour south of St. Luke. I already live in Monroe Ohio about 45 minutes north of St. Luke but because he is such an awesome surgeon and his reputation of going all over the world training other docs on the surgeries I believe he is the best. I don't mind the drive because of the way I feel but surely I won't have to do any of the tests or classes again since I am just transferring with him? All I was waiting on was the cardiologist to send his clearance for me...he said he would do that this week. Insurance is approved everything. Anyone have anything similar happen to them? Thanks for all the responses in advance you guys are GREAT on this website!    — gonnabethinfinally (posted on March 2, 2009)

March 2, 2009
I hooked up with my surgeon who operates at a couple of different hospitals. I was unsure as to what hospital I would be sent to for my insurance. Ask your surgeon or the hospital's information system for the phone number for the head of the bariatric program. They will plug you in to their system. I wouldn't think that they would make you do any of your pre-qualifying testing again. But, they may want you to sit in for their dietary counseling, orientation, etc. Do this as these are the people who you will be speaking with post op. There are also support groups that the hospitals host. I drive 1hr + once monthly to attend the one at the hospital where I had my surgery. It is well worth the time spent and it is my "me-time". It help connect with the people there.. learn some things and pass some of the things that I have learned onto others. Good luck and congrats on your upcoming approval ...
   — Kari_K

March 2, 2009
Donna, the new hospital may have you sign releases to get your test results from the first hospital but they won't make you take tests again. Your insurance probably wouldn't pay for them anyway. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with the surgeon. That's who you are hiring - not the hospital. My surgeon was so awesome I went back to him to have a hernia repair and it was an hour drive.
   — Muggs

March 3, 2009
I believe he is the best, too!!! You should have no problems just transferring your info to Georgetown. You will have to sign some releases & then Georgetown can request the info. (If you have any issues it will prob be with St. Luke ... heard their new CEO is NOT a friend of the obese & bariatric surgery...) All I can say is St. Luke's HUGE IDIOTIC loss and Georgetown's GIANT GAIN! I'd drive an hour for Dr Tom also. I hope it all goes great for you! :-)
   — MAG