Question:
Should I go out of my medical group?

Cheryl Cormier Surgery: Hoping to have surgery BMI: 39.5 Grass Valley, CA, USA Email: [email protected] Personal Comments My PCP referred me to the Top Surgeon of my medical group. That appt went well, he said he would definitely refer me, but was going to refer me to Valley Surgical in Fresno. They have a long waiting list. So I am waiting, hoping to be referred elsewhere. Update: 3/23/01 The Surgeon that I was referred to insists on Valley Surgical but Group is working on a contract. I would like to see a surgeon that does not have such a heavy case load. I was told that Valley Surgical has a waiting list of over a year. My PCP is not help at all. He is reluctant to move an inch. Can anyone help me? should I just go to the doctor of my choice and pay my deductible and out of pocket of $3000? Would that bypass my group and my PCP? If anyone can help me understand all this, I am begging for you to contact me. Email me your number and I will use my dime to call. The story goes on.... In the meantime, my referral to an out of "medical group" but still a Contracted Pacificare Surgeon, is pending within my group. Do I need this referral? PLEASE HELP.    — Cheryl C. (posted on March 24, 2001)

March 24, 2001
I had my distal RNY done by Fresno surgeon Paul Frye, MD through PacifiCare HMO (paid 100%). Dr Frye's medical group follows bariatric patients for 5 years post-op and their statistics for both weight loss and long-term maintenance are outstanding (better than 90% of excess weight, I think -- can't find the graph right now). I attended their seminar the 1st week in August 2000, had my consult the last week in August, and my surgery on Oct 12. As far as I know, the Valley Surgical Surgeons are qualified, but their surgery is primarily restrictive and their follow-up is less extensive than mine. Their long-term statistics are not available because they haven't been doing this surgery as long. Edward Felix MD (also in Fresno) accepts PacifiCare as well. Perhaps you could check them all out, then decide. (Why Fresno, since you live in Grass Valley. Aren't there any surgeons associated with UC Davis?)
   — Linda B.

March 24, 2001
I see Dr Frye's profile still hasn't made it onto the AMOS surgeon list. Check under his associate Richard Betcher, MD. By the way, Dr Frye does both open and lap.
   — Linda B.