Unbelievable. After two years and three appeals I get approval and redo my tests, he tells me I will get a date in two weeks.

I call his office after my second round of tests and she tells me they are full for the rest of the year and I have to redo my tests for the third time.

She wasted my time and the insurance company money. She acted like it was my fault then informed me that she couldn't accept my approval letter because she had never seen one like it.

I was so upset. I was so emotional and raised my voice and she kept saying I should have known they didn't have any more openings and it was my fault.

I told her I was done and hung up and cried.

I decided to try again today with my insurance contact on the line. Same woman told me that because I complained to the hospital I am now too much of a risk and he won't operate on me. And won't give me my money back to join the practice.

I would call and speak to the practice manager or the Dr himself.....might not do any good, but you have to try everything! and it's January, how are they full for the yr?

Find another practice ASAP and call your patient advocate at your insurance company for help.

I wouldn't trust them at this point.

I meant when I called in November they said they were full.

That woman is the office manager. I have no way to talk to him and at this point I don't want anything to do with them other than letting other people know what happened to me.

By the way it's Dr Minkin, Des Peres Hospital St Louis Mo.

I also complained to the My New Self program there and didn't here a word back.

So sorry to hear you are having such difficulties. I had my surgery at Des Peres with Dr. Scott and could not be happier. I would not give up! This is your life we are talking about. Did you try to see if Dr. Minkin has a contact email / phone on the Des Peres website, its possible. I know Dr. Scott puts his contact info on his literature.

If all else fails, switch hospitals. I started out at St. Alexius and switched to Des Peres.

Good luck!

I'd run like hell from that situation. I'd find a new clinic and have all related medical records transferred. I did that in MN and things went through smoothly. Good Luck!!!

I really want nothing to do with them. If this how they treat people I can't trust them.

I don't want to have to deal with her after the surgery and if it truly was Dr Minkins decision I want nothing to do with him.

There have been several people complaining about her on two boards. "Someone" always created a new user name and claims to be a former patient of his and raves about it and then never posts anything ever again.

Just wait....

I am switching to DePaul, I filled out the paperwork and sent it in today.

I also filed a complaint with Joint Commission.

I applaud you for your courage to inform others to be aware of this Physician & facility shenanigans. I think sometimes they lose focus of our need & desire to change our lives for the better because they are under the delusion of the "god complex". Keep up the good fight & best wishes to finding the right physician for you.

Thank you so much!!!!

I switched doctors a month before my sleeve and I really feel it was for the best. It worked out great

Why did you switch?

Stay strong! I am sure you can switch keep in contact with your insurance company perhaps they can advise you what to do to keep all the paperwork rolling in the right direction. Best of luck to you!!

I switched because my surgeon left the hospital and no longer accepted my insurance.