Question:
Why is it taking so long to get a surgery date?

Has anyone had their surgery at the Barix Clinics in Langhorne, Pa? They received my approval letter from my insurance on Dec 1 and still haven't given me a surgey date. When I call and ask, I kind of get the run around, and that they dont know when more dates will open...what should I do?    — nsh4991 (posted on October 16, 2007)

October 16, 2007
I was never given a surgery date either. Then when I decided enough was enough and called to try to get one, the doctor I had seen (Dr. Marymor) no longer practiced there so I was going to be put on a waiting list to see another doctor. That is when I called Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and got in touch with Dr. Kirkland. My insurance had approved my surgery with Barix and had no problem reinstating it for PA Hospital. I had my first visit with Dr. Kirkland in March of this year. My surgery was July 27. I do know that they are getting busier now and the wait time may be a few months, but I feel A LOT better that I ended up going to PA Hospital instead of the Barix Clinics...especially because I developed blood clots post-surgery and knew that PA Hospital is better equipped to handle emergencies than a clinic is. Good luck with your decision and your surgery.
   — ALafferty

October 16, 2007
i would find another surgeon. Its been almost a year.The preop period should be the long part. Once your approved things should move more quickly. Find a safer more organized surgeon. Good luck.
   — Jodie T.

October 16, 2007
Duh...Im sorry..I there is a typo in my question..they received my written approval on October 1st...not December 1st..
   — nsh4991

October 16, 2007
I know these hospitals and dr's are busy but that is waaayyy to long to wait. I would check out another facility before your approval runs out or your insurance changes its plan.
   — shalmar

October 16, 2007
Is your surgeon Dr. Boe? (cute guy) When the Barix Clinic did that here in Illinois, (Belvidere) They closed. I hope this is not the case for you, I would demand answers and if you don't get them then go to another surgeon. I did that, wasn't b/c of a closing.......it was b/c they were unorganized in that dept ,soooo happy I left them.
   — Pam S.

October 16, 2007
It does take a while to go thru the insurance process i hear. I was a self pay for the lap band in Harrisburg PA and it took me 3 months.
   — CElizabeth

October 16, 2007
Gosh - I had my surgery at Barix Clinic in Ypsi. Mi. and once I had the approval letters - they had me booked within 2 wks. I would find out why and if the answer isn't good enough I would find some where different. Possibly the doctors don't need your money - they have made a ton off all of us. Get answers and don't wait.... ifyou want too long they will want you to go through all the tests again. Good luck. Best thing I did for myself.
   — Suzanne B.

October 16, 2007
I started out at Barix Clinic in PA....just wasn't getting anywhere so on the advice of a friend I called Dr William Graber in Utica NY. My first visit was in July, I had 2 more visits and my surgery was Sept. 6th. He was great! And the staff and hospital there were awesome. Well worth the trip!
   — muffin1837

October 17, 2007
I am going through the same process now. My first visit was 10-20-07 and my insurance was approved on 10-28. I expected things to move quickly at this point, but I am not getting the sense that the staff is pro-active in moving things along. On a positive note I have to tell you that my friend had a wonderful experience at Barix in May. Also, I am friends with an anesthesiologist who works there and he highly recommends the hospital and the female surgeon got the highest praise. I plan to stick it out. Let me know how you make out. I'll let you know when I'm scheduled.
   — jimmychrissy1

October 17, 2007
You need to find a doctor and staff willing to give you the care you deserve. Whether this sounds right or not, they are selling you a product and you are their customer. Another thing to give a second thought is the aftercare they provide. If you are getting this much crap now how good is their postop care (appointments, dieticians, support gruoups, etc)? This whole process requires a long time committment. Do you want to deal with crappy service for the next several years?
   — tazthewiz23

October 17, 2007
Nicole, I agree with other posters; locate another clinic or surgeon that performs the procedure. Let Barix know that you are seeking another surgeon and displeased with the service and information or shall I say lack of communication from their people. Once people start taking their business elsewhere, they'll become more efficient with their practice. I recv'd a number of communications from them during my search and I didn't like their customer service approach.
   — the7thdean

October 18, 2007
I would worry about how much personal attention they can offer you in general after the surgery if they can't even address your needs before the surgery. It might be just a busy time for them but still, this is YOUR biggest event!
   — Stacey D.

October 19, 2007
what jerks at that place you were lookin in to. hun i would definetly look in to a different office. good luck.
   — Kimberly F.

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