Were is all my Chattanoogians at?

daniml · August 16, 2008

I completely understand!!! My original surgery date was 5/28, but my white blood count was high and it had to be rescheduled. My new date was a whole month after the original and I was a little upset not to get in any earlier. But, like you said, we're not the only patients.

Carrie_C · August 16, 2008

The few times I have called, it has taken them a WEEK to return my call, not 48 hours. I know they are busy, but a week is way too long.

*slim* · August 16, 2008

Exactly. I am trying really hard not to be impatient, but it's so not working. I don't want to be in the beginning of band life at Thanksgiving and at this rate, that is exactly what is going to happen. Yuck. I want to be at a point that I can at least take a bite of something. That's life.

daniml · August 17, 2008

Wow, I don't think I've ever had to wait that long for a return phone call. Johnna, the insurance lady, is definetly the worst, but even she has returned calls before then. I agree, a week is way to long!

*slim* · August 17, 2008

Actually, Johnna is who I am having trouble with. I called the other day and rather than look at my file, I guess she was trying to go from memory, and nothing she said referred to me. I called again and she keeps telling me that she doesn't have my final paper work from the psych evaluation. I called the social worker and he said that he faxed it over as I walked out of his office Tuesday. He faxed it again Thursday for good measure. I am going to call back again Monday and hope for the best. I realize waiting for the insurance to deny or approve is going to be a pain, but waiting for Johnna to actually send it is getting on my last nerve. Ok, rant over. I am being impatient again. Sorry.

*slim* · August 17, 2008

Have either of you ever emailed her? I am just wondering if I would possibly get better results that way.

Carrie_C · August 17, 2008

You could try emailing, but I don't think it would do much good. I have had a lot of problems with her as well. I had to call her a lot to make sure she had faxed my paperwork. And then she didn't even fax it all to Cigna the first time and of course they denied me because of that. So I had to wait even longer. Now I have received 2 bills from them for $6000 because Cigna denied paying them because they are out of network. I called Cigna and they said all she has to do is submit an appeal and they will pay. I have called her like 3 times and she keeps saying she will take care of it, but she doesn't and I keep getting bills. I think she is very scatter brained. Maybe they need to hire someone else to help her out.

*slim* · August 17, 2008

That's what I was afraid of. She would talk to me and I couldn't tell if she realized she was no longer talking about my case or what. She does need some help. I don't want her to be the reason I don't get my surgery.

*slim* · August 19, 2008

Well, Johnna actually called me today. She called to tell me that she finally faxed in my paperwork to insurance. Of course, when I called insurance this evening, they still don't see it. I guess I will give it a day or two and call back. I am not going to let up. This is too important.

MADE IT 2 MY GOAL..OH YEAH · August 24, 2008

Don't live in Chattanooga put I am really close to Chatt-town. I live about 30 miles from Chattanooga. I live in Jasper, Tn.

:bored :bored :bored well well I guess this site has nobody from the chatt. area and let me also guess that no body has been banded at memorial hos. by dr. fromm-paynter-or Ponce?? Geez I sure feel like the lonesome stud here lol.

*slim* · August 24, 2008

Don't live in Chattanooga put I am really close to Chatt-town. I live about 30 miles from Chattanooga. I live in Jasper, Tn.

I noticed in one of your other posts that you lived very close to me. Maybe if I actually get approved by insurance, you and I can provide support for each other. I know I am going to need it. Let me know.

lapbandliz · August 30, 2008

Hey! I lived in Chatta-Vegas for 19 yrs of my life and moved to Colorado Springs last year! I am having surgery next week! I miss the southern hospitality-- so I will checking up on this board too! Ya'll always keep it real! Good luck to all my Chattanoogians!! :smile:

*slim* · August 30, 2008

Hey! I lived in Chatta-Vegas for 19 yrs of my life and moved to Colorado Springs last year! I am having surgery next week! I miss the southern hospitality-- so I will checking up on this board too! Ya'll always keep it real! Good luck to all my Chattanoogians!! :smile:

Congrats on your surgery! Good luck next week!:wink2:

downsdc · October 1, 2008

Hi - I'm from Ooltewah, TN (just outside of Chattanooga) and I have my first consult with Dr. Ponce on 10/14 (just had my upper gi today). I'm self-pay so hopefully I'll get to have the surgery in November. I'm having my lap-band done in Dalton, GA but I'll have the refills done at Memorial Atrium (only about 7 miles from my house).

*slim* · October 4, 2008

Hi - I'm from Ooltewah, TN (just outside of Chattanooga) and I have my first consult with Dr. Ponce on 10/14 (just had my upper gi today). I'm self-pay so hopefully I'll get to have the surgery in November. I'm having my lap-band done in Dalton, GA but I'll have the refills done at Memorial Atrium (only about 7 miles from my house).

Hi. I just had my surgery done by Dr. Ponce on 09/25. I have to say, he is good at his job. I didn't even feel like I had surgery on the day of surgery. Good luck with everything and keep us posted. Since you are self-pay, it shouldn't be hard to get a surgery date.