Osvaldo Anez Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FICS

Dr. Anez was very matter of fact.
We had a pretty short initial visit.
He did call his Insurance person into the
visit when I told him I thought I would have
to be self pay because I have Optimum Choice
(truly the WORST insurance on the face of
this planet). She confirmed my suspicions in
that they haven't had any luck to date
dealing with getting coverage for any type
of WLS from this organization. Then I wrote
directly to Optimum Choice and I'll append
their reply below.

I must say that Dr. Anez staff were pleasant,
professional and easy to deal with both in
person and over the phone. He has no problem
with my being a self pay patient. His nurse
went ahead and had my second visit right then
and there rather than waiting until after
insurance denied me, etc. I know I want this
surgery. I'll find a way to cover the bill,
no doubt.

Dr. Anez walked me through a book that he
gives out to prospective patients and we
talked for about 15 minutes. I told him about
the intensive education I've been getting
over the internet and he encouraged me to
continue and to begin attending his support
groups. I will start with my first meeting
next week.

I think he'll be a fine surgeon.

Ok as promised the Insurance letter:

Dear Ms. Price:

Thank you for your recent email regarding treatment for morbid obesity.
Please note that I have requested an Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from our
mailroom today. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive this
information.

For your reference, in the EOC under the section entitled, Exclusions it
states the following:

* In addition to the limitations previously discussed, the following
services are specifically excluded:

18. Confinement, treatment, services or supplies for weight
reduction or morbid obesity treatment, including surgical
procedures such as gastric stapling.

Please be advised that the Senate Bill 541 will not override the exclusion
in your contract, unless your employer decides to purchase coverage for
treatment of morbid obesity. Please note that the Health Plan offers
benefits packages which have coverage for morbid obesity, but the benefits
package purchased by your employer, specifically excludes coverage for
morbid obesity.

Should you have any further questions, please feel free to email us or
contact our Member Services Department at (800) 331-2102 or (301) 360-8040.

Sincerely,

Tameka Duckett
Representative II, Customer Support Group

Exceptional Help from the Heart

Very kind, wished to have more appointment time with him before surgery. Marisol is the best! I was laid off at my job and she spent hours on the phone to get me in before my insurance runs out. He emphasizes that this is a rest of your life desision that requires close medical attention for the rest of your life.

I was referred to Anez by my doctor. My mom and sister had surgery prior from his as well. He is great and has been very patient with me and my nerves. Not a man of many words but, tells you everything there is to know. The office staff is wonderful! thank god the scheduler is so kind, I feel like I might have got to know her personally if I had to set another date :) Sally and Hope are great too. They all seem to really care about their patients!

He is the most wonderful surgeon in the world!! He told me everything that would happen or that could happen. He was very honest with me. I thought he was talented and very king.

nice

very busy-always late
he's great



a great deal-very supportive

yes



very honestly

wonderful







competence

Dr.Anez was friendly,and got right down to business. he explained the procedure,using drawings.He did address the risks, and answered all my questions. He has a very structured aftercare program, with a great nutritionist on staff. His office staff is wonderful. they handle all your problems and make sure everything is in order before surgery.I would rate him a very competent and skilled surgeon. His manner is very friendly, but time with him was always brief. But. I wanted him as my best surgeon, not my best friend. I would recommend him without hesitation.

I really like Dr. Anez. I had read alot about him and he was exactly what I expected. I had been researching the surgery for several months so I really didn't have a lot of question. He spent quite a bit of time talking about the after care and the changes that I would need to make inorder for it to be a success. He has a wonderfull after care program called the "Staple Club". I have been to one of the meetings and found it to be very helpful.

That he was very intent on making me understand all the aspects of what the surgery entailed.
His office staff were very helpful to me.
Make sure you have your refrence from your doctor if needed, your records, a list made out ahead of time of the diets you have tried, including start,ending dates and how much u lost and gained back afterwards. Your prescriptions and dosage amts. Questions to ask him.
Parking is atrocious at his office since it is next to hospital. So plan at least 15 minutes for looking for a parking place and to walk up there.
His office bldg number is #3700, suite 100. Nice that it was on first floor.
He is very clear about stating you will be seeing him the rest of your life..lol
Yes he has a very well thought out aftercare.
He totally addressed the risks first then the pluses afterwards.
That he seemed very efficent and the office was busy but he did not rush our visit.
I am reserving judgement on what I think. I still have aa ways to go yet.

My first visit with Dr. Anez was great. He is very straightforward which is not to say that he is cold or uncaring. Instead, he wants to make it clear that what he is offering with the surgery is a tool, not a short cut, to weight loss. He emphasizes that work is up to you and that all he does is help.

His office has the feel of a community center with people coming and going in different stages of the process.

We went through the forms I filled out and he made sure I understood the risks and the need for work on my part and then he announced that he would submit a letter to my insurer and that I should hear something in two weeks.

It is at this point that I began to develop a problem with this whole process. The reason is that in researching the Roux-en-y surgery and in talking to Doctor Anez I let my guard down enough to imagine a non-obese lifestyle.

I realize the process is not unique to Doctor Anez, but I wish I had been more prepared for the wait.

In fact I am currently in day 8 of my wait and despite reading on the web about people with CIGNA getting an answer in 48 hours that has not been the case with me.

I must also note that Dr. Anez's staff has been very patient with me as I have already called twice this week to check. I am sure I am not the only one who does not wait quietly which makes their patience all the more impressive.

Update: 3/6/01

I received notice today that I have been approved by CIGNA PPO!

I like Dr. Anez very much! He is very open and will answer any questions.

Very happy!!!

My first impression of Dr. Anez was that of great respect. He was to the point, easy to talk to, and knowledgable. He addressed all of my questions, concerns and comments. I was equally impressed when he took time out of his busy schedule to answer quetions a "Staples club" meeting. He was open, honest, direct and precise when making comments.

His office staff, seem to be under a great deal of pressure. But they make the job look easy, when in fact, it can be very challenging.