Question:
Has anyone here made an appointment in the last month with Dr. Timothy Custer?

I have already had my first consult with him, but my daughter called around 2 weeks ago and Pam gave her an appointment for January 16th!!! She tried to get through for about 3 weeks, leaving countless messages and Pam never returned her calls. Then when she does get through it's a six month wait just for her 1st consult! I was just wondering if anyone else going to Dr.Custer in has to wait this long? Also did anyone else self pay with him? Will the surgery date be scheduled sooner since there is no insurance wait? Thanks to all. Lave ya!    — Brenda T. (posted on July 6, 2002)

July 6, 2002
I don't have any dealings with your surgeon, but I waited 7 months for my initial consult with my surgeon at the Hospital of the University of PA. They've basically got two fine bariatric surgeons doing the bulk of the WLS there and there are 500 people waiting for surgery (or somewhere in the pre-op flow) at HUP. I would think self-pay would cut out the 6-week wait for insurance approval (or more if there were denials and appeals). I hope the best for you and your daughter.
   — John Rushton

July 6, 2002
Brenda, I can tell you that when I first went to Dr. Custer, I only had a WEEK wait!! However, that was almost a year ago. He was new to the practice. When I initially called in August 2001 to schedule with Dr. Price (Dr. Custer's associate) I would have had my first appointment in February 2002!!! That's what prompted me to go to Dr. Custer in the first place instead of Dr. Price. So I guess a 6 month wait is now the norm for both Dr. Price and Dr. Custer. That's why I always tell people to make the appointment now. You can always change your mind once that time comes and cancel it. I do have a friend who made an appointment with Dr. Custer in May for her first consult and her appointment isn't scheduled until October. I would say the office is telling you the truth about the wait time.
   — Patty H.