Fairfield Medical Center Hospital

I met my surgeon in October. He was so very nice. Even Hubby liked him. He actually listened to me and was suprised as to how much I knew already. Thanks to every one here and the email groups I am on.
I will post more later on too.

Jody
PRE-OP
Surgery SCHEDULED!!!
April 24, 2002
Columbus Oh

Dr. Custer came in, gave me a firm handshake, and wasted no time getting down to business.

He was friendly, and he seemed like he had all the time in the world to talk to me about the surgery and answer the questions I had brought along (over 30). He answered some of my questions before I even asked them.

I felt totally comfortable with Dr. Custer and he seemed genuinely interested in everything I had to say.

I came to his office very organized and he jokingly told me that it looked as if I could teach him a thing or two about the surgery. When I told him that I had been asking around about him, he didn't seem to be upset about it.

Dr. Custer was upfront about the risks involved, but I suggest coming to him with a list of concerns you may have, because he might not address something that you may be worried about.

Dr. Custer's Medical Assistant, Kathy, was wonderful. I felt like a person with her and not a number.

Pam, the Patient Coordinator, was unfriendly and told me that I had "messed everything up" by getting all the information to Anthem BC/BS before my initial consultation. (THIS IS MY OPINION, SO DON'T LET THIS DETER YOU FROM CHOOSING DR. CUSTER, BECAUSE HE'S THE ONE DOING THE SURGERY, NOT PAM). I came into the office feeling confident and left very discouraged, because of the way Pam spoke to me. Thank goodness Kathy and Dr. Custer were SO wonderful, or I might have gone to see another surgeon.

There is nothing wrong with trying to get your PCP help with getting your surgery approved. My PCP, Dr. Jeffrey Hunter and the CRNP (Certified Registered Nurse Practioner), Michelle Giovannelli did everything they could to help with the insurance approval. As long as Anthem BC/BS knew who was doing the surgery, there was no problem with getting a "head start" on the insurance approval. There was only one thing Dr. Custer's office had to do for Anthem and that was fill out one form and fax it to the insurance company (so this speeds up your approval, because you took care of everything you could before the initial consultation). This may not work with every insurance company, but it's worth a shot.

Dr. Custer was a friendly intelligent young man. However, in retrospect, I don't feel he spent enough time with me.

He came in the room and got right down to business. He didn't waste any more of my time cause he was running late because he was in emergency surgery. He started asking me questions and wrighting my info down as I answered him. He seemed to be confident in himself and was the same for all the questions I asked him. My wife thought he was kinda cocky acting, but I told her I would rather have someone that is that way rather than be all wishy washy. I want someone that will make the right choice if need be, and make it right cause he knows his stuff!! He told me this is a life long change, I would never eat another big meal again. He told me what would happen if I did and it didnt sound good. He did address the risk involved but he said I was in strong enough I should have no problem with surgery.
As far as rating him right now is hard, because I have just met and talked to him just one time. For right now let's just say that I liked hime and he sounds confident in himself and confident that this is the best choice for me.
His staff was all very nice and was helpful with questions. He has one member of his staff (Ann) that has had this surgery and she said he is good and knows his stuff.. That made me feel good..
When it came time for me to go over my list of questions he kinda chuckled at a couple and said that I watch to much 20/20. I didn't like him thinking my question was stupid, but he did answer then all nomatter what he thought of it.

I liked the doctor and he answered my questions completely. I do NOT like the office person who schedules all his appointments and handles the insurance. Her name is Pam and she is the rudest person I have encountered. I tried to be nice and she told me I shouldn't "bother" the insurance company. I've worked in insurance for 20 years and know the in's and outs. My insurance approved the surgery in 3 days and were very nice and helpful. Pam is nasty. She still hasn't called me to schedule my surgery. I'm waiting until Tuesday and will then call the Practice Administrator and tell him about her if she hasn't called to set up a surgery date by then.