Question:
How much input do you have to scheduling?

Everyone was so helpful the last time I posted. Thank you all so much. My next question is: Assuming I am approved, is there any input I can have to the scheduling of the surgery. My dr's office said they typically run 3-6 months from the time of approval. My free time is about 5 months from now and I would like to know if it is okay, when you go for a consult, to say "I'd really like to try to schedule my surgery for this week, would that be okay?" or something like that. Anyone have any success with this? Thanks!    — susanje (posted on November 9, 2002)

November 9, 2002
Typically, the only way you will be able to influence your date is if you want a date *later* than the first available date they give you (and that date they are giving you is not a cancellation). So if your free time is in April 2003 and they come back and give you a February or March date, they may be able to accomodate you. However, if they come back and give you a May or June date, they probably won't be able to change it to an April date...JR
   — John Rushton

November 9, 2002
Most surgeons are only alotted so much OR time on certain days of the week--so the key is to find out what day your surgeon operates, and then work with that They have an office schedule to maintain too, hence the need for scheduling. Of course, there's always an OR open for your surgeon to do an emergency, but otherwise surgeries are highly scheduled. You should have the flexibility to schedule OUT there--I did, because of being on an academic calendar there was no way I could go in September when approved--but chose our Thanksgiving break. Additionally, I am first case in the AM, and will only be bumped if there is an emergency or child to have surgery. One more thing--our surgeon's office does maintain a "will call", for those who could be ready "on a dime", in case of a cancellation or postponement happens for someone else. He told me it's about an 85% rate to operate from first consult to table appearance. Hope this helps.
   — Wannabe A.

November 11, 2002
My surgeon allowed me to schedule my surgery at my first consultation for the week I wanted it. (He only operates on certain days of the week.) HOWEVER, it was cancelled and rescheduled 3 or 4 times before it actually happened! Finally, just had to take what I could get. Scheduling really was hell. See my profile.
   — Kathy J.