Question:
Any suggestions on how to get a surgery date from Dr Drew/Schwartz?

My insurance co approved me over a month ago and I'm being told by the scheduler at Dr Drew/Dr Schwartz's that the waiting list is so long I probably won't get in until October/November. Anyone have any luck getting a date quickly? Any suggestions on how to bump myself up on the waiting list? When I asked the scheduler today, she got really annoyed that I "didn't do what she told me the first time, and wait until the end of the summer to call". !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was livid to be talked to that way, but I'm at her mercy so I didn't want to get her p.o.'d at me! Am I just stuck with waiting?? Thanks!    — Angie M. (posted on April 2, 2002)

April 2, 2002
Yeah, that was another thing - they "don't do a cancellation list anymore" because "people would complain that 2 days was too short of a notice" and she "got tired of people complaining" about it. This was one of the least-patient-friendly people I've ever spoken with. I'm trying to be understanding, I'm sure she gets a lot of ridiculous requests from patients, but her attitude was so harsh I could barely gather myself to reply! If I could've reached through that phone though....!!!!
   — Angie M.

April 2, 2002
That is so weird! I have had nothing but a great experience with that office and with Angie! In fact I was called 4 times to bump up my surgery but I could not because of work constraints. They are both excellent surgeons and work REALLY hard doing many many surgeries a week. Their long waiting list reflects how popular a team they are. I think they are well worth the wait. I had to wait for my date for 9 months due to insurance struggles. I would to wait a few weeks and call and let them know that you are VERY flexible and guarantee them that you could have surgery on short notice (if that is true). They might agree to keep you in mind if they believe that you could show up on a day or two notice....that kind of cancelation happens pretty often. Good Luck! Schwartz 2/12/02
   — Joelle B.