I really want to have surgery by the end of the year, if I can. I might not get to, though, because of a few problems:

1. Just found out I have to be cleared by a pulmonologist before I can even get my insurance submitted. Getting an appointment for this might take a while.

2. My doctors' office workers can't seem to understand that I need the last 5 years of my files. All of it. Not just documentation of the first time I was there and the last time I was there. The surgery center needs the WHOLE DAMN THING! :target:The one that I did my weight-loss program with didn't even send the records for it. :speechles

Oh Laurend... I feel for you.

All I can tell you is that it is worth the hassle, worth the wait, worth a fight.

Hugs. Buck up Lil' Buckaroo. This too shall pass.

Let your anger motivate you to be persistent.

:]

Jumping through those hoops isn't fun! It's always frutstrating to ask for something (records) and only get a partial and then having to reask/wait again. Grrrr...they will eventually figure it out.

Hopefully you can get into the pulmonology dr. soon and be on your way! Good luck, Shawn

You might have to just drive down there and ask for the whole file in person. That sometimes happens.

Laurend, Please be sure that you can find out the dollar ammount they will pay, as my insurance said that they would pay 80% of my Dr charges. That sounded great, then they refunded me only $300. When I investigated they said that they refunded 80 percent of what THEY considered reasonable and customary charges. Not what I was actually charged. It was a real scam.

I am very glad I have my band though, I cant put a price on my health.

Best Wishes!

Apparently, I have to pay $2000 out of pocket, but the insurance will pay 100% of the remaining.

laurend -

Be persistent! Call every day, or even get pushy and go to the office to get what you want. Do you have children? Imagine if your child needed surgery by the end of the year. What would you do for your child to make it happen? That's how I looked at this surgery. I needed it by the end of the year so that it would be covered in the 2006 insurance calendar. I became a total pest, calling every day for the status of my case, calling to set my next appointment, never waiting for them to contact me, etc. I'm scheduled for 12/14. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, girl! Work some magic for yourself!

Hi Lauren,

I've seen your posts before and I wanted you to know to hang in there. I know you have had your challenges but demand and get what you need from your doctors. I like the idea of driving down for the cc of your file. I hope you can get in with that other doctor quickly. It will be worth it in the end. I hope also you are getting the support you need from your family. Best of luck to you.