Question:
Surgeon not accepting consultation appts....Is this normal?

I called a surgeon to schedule an appointment for the initial consultation and was told he does not accept appointments, but mails out a packet of information with questions I need to answer and send back. At which point he will review and decide if I am a viable canidate for surgery and call me to schedule an appointment if so. Is this the normal procedure?    — betty J. (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
Hi! I had appointments with 3 different surgeons and none of them said I had to basically pre qualify for a consultation! You go to a consultation to "interview", if you will, the surgeon. It's up to the insurance to say if you quilify, not the surgeon. It sounds to me like this surgeon is extremely busy with surgeries and doesn't want to waste time on anyone, unless he/she is going to definitely get some money out of you and your insurance! Remember, YOU are hiring the surgeon to do your surgery and you should definitely shop around and find a surgeon who is is willing to talk to you regardless if they "think" you qualify or not! Good luck to you!!
   — Judith S.

November 21, 2002
Hi, there are some surgeons that will send you a packet of info to fill out but it's the forms you would normally fill out in the office. They sent it to your home so you don't have to sit in the office and do it. As far as them saying they will go by just your info to see if you qualify, I've never heard of that. The previous poster is correct. Your consulation is basically an interview.
   — Des812

November 21, 2002
That's the procedure my surgeon used. He does a huge volume of wls, and for that we all should be grateful! But he couldn't do so many if he had to "interview" patients that possibly do not qualify or do not have insurance or the means to pay for it. The system went well, and I met him about a month prior to surgery. He is an expert in the field of Lap rny, and teaches it to other surgeons. I was in great hands, but I knew that before I met him due to the screening/interview process.... Good luck. Hugs, Diana
   — dibie1221

November 21, 2002
Judith, the more interviews your surgeon does, the less time he has for the actual surgery. his time is better spent with people who qualify, not just looking. Some surgeons have a one year backup. I feel for the people who have to wait so long to get a surgery date. In my search for a surgeon, the face to face was the least important part. Some surgeons are real charmers, but do not have great skills or follow up programs. Ohter surgeons, just have ordinary personalities but are gifted surgeons, with excellent follow up care. Just my 2 cents worth
   — faybay

November 21, 2002
This is standard procedure for most of the wlss doctors here in Ky. and in answer to the previous poster Judith, it is up to the insurance to see if you qualify FOR THEM TO PAY. However it is up to the surgeon to say if you are a canidate to have the surgery, All people are not for one reason or another.
   — Delores S.

November 22, 2002
Hi Betty: My surgeon did exactly the same thing. I had no problem getting a consultation, after my information was sent in. However, I did call to make sure they received it, and then called to make sure to get a timely consultation appointment. In my opinion, this is the best way to go. You would never be able to keep all that info in your head, and the doctor can refer to everything during your consultation. Good luck! Love Grace
   — Grace H.

November 22, 2002
Run!!! Go elsewhere quick! If a doctor doesn't have time for the initial consult he's doing too many surgeries too quickly. You should at least be able to get an appointment, even if it takes 2 or 3 months to see him. My first surgeon was like that and he was just out for money. Money ! Money!
   — Kimmie C.