Question:
What's going on w/ Dr. Gagner at Mt. Sinai in NYC??

I have called his office and they have called me to cancel my appointment. One time they tell me he does not accept any type of insurance any longer the next time they say he does except bc/bs. I asked the woman on the phone to explain how can u say he does not take insurance and in the next breath tell me he accepts blue cross. I have heard this 3times from this office, but each person explains it different and of coursr they are not explaining it in laymans terms. Does anyone know how dr. G is receiving payment now? Can anyone tell me how to get a straight answer from this office or my insurance company, which is Personal choice Bc/bs in PA? Thanks so much. I just cant see how these folks can expext u to make these major decision with out knowing as much as possible, not only about the procedure, but the financial part too. Thanks to all.    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 27, 2001)

July 27, 2001
Maybe you could email him personally and explain the run around that you've been through? It can't hurt. Go to www.surgicallyslim.com His email addy is listed there. Good luck!
   — Jeannet

July 27, 2001
My first choice for a surgeon was Dr. Gagner, as a friend used him and loved him. When I called to schedule my consult they told me he didn't take my insurance, Aetna US Healthcare. I was very dissappointed. They assigned me to Dr. Inabnet, his associate. He is very nice, he did my lap RNY on 5/25/01. Dr. Pomp, another associate in the group, was covering for Dr. Inabnet while I was in the hospital and had to do surgery to repair a leak with resulting peritonitis. I have been seeing him for follow up since as he saved my life and he is the nicest, funniest, truly caring doctor! They both took my insurance while Dr. Gagnger didn't. My thoughts are that Dr. Gagner is the head of the group and is the one everyone seems to want, maybe they are trying to get people to use the other docotrs to build up their patients? it never made sense to me that they don't all take the same insurance plans. Why don't you check to see if Dr. Pomp takes your insurance. You won't be dissappointed, I can guarantee and it may be easier to get an appointment with him than Dr. Gagner anyway. Just know this, the office staff there are okay but you are not imagining that they all tell you different things. You will need to keep on top of them as they seem to be getting very busy. It seems that the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" at that office. Also, if you do go with them, make sure you stay in top of them to get your insurance approval, they do all the work, but I found that the guy who handles it didn't communicate well to let me know what is happening. It was only when I called and bugged him that I found out. I hope this helps, if you need more information about this you can email me! Good luck!
   — Vicki K.