Question:
Doctor has put his program on hold...now what do I do?

I had my consult 14 weeks ago and had all of my required tests. After several phone calls I find out today that he has not submitted anything to my insurance and that he is putting his program "on hold" for the time being. Has this happened to anyone and does anyone have any suggestions as to how to proceed?    — Lynda D. (posted on September 4, 2002)

September 4, 2002
Hi, saw your question and started thinking.... did they give you any reason why the program has been placed on hold? Did they suggest another surgeon? I can't help but think he maybe having some family or legal problems. This is probably not the answer you want. But if this were me, I'd ask for a copy of all results for the procedures and testing you've done so far and search for another qualified doctor. If you've got your copies perhaps you won't have to go through that again.
   — Colleen S.

September 5, 2002
Lynda, I had your surgeon for two surgeries and he is great! Don't be discouraged. The reason he has stopped doing surgery temporarily is so that his program can include more educational material for us. This is what I was told and also he is starting to work with Dr. McNaught who will do lap surgery under Dr. Bergstein. They are presently looking for the perfect candidate to have the first lap. This was what I was told in July so probably by now they have proceeded with the lap surgeries. I was under the impression that they had began doing surgeries in May again. He is a wonderful doctor and worth the wait! Don't give up and maybe if you call Jill, his nurse, and tell her your situation they will schedule you sooner. He has a long waiting list of patients because of his talent and expertise. They have always been more than willing to help me out because they understood with the first surgery that my Aetna would be ending. Also with the second surgery for a revision to transected pouch, they called my insurance on Friday and had me in the operating room on Tuesday! Now that is fast!!! Good luck and let me know if there is any thing I can do to help. Hope you are scheduled soon.
   — Mylou52