Consult for panni/tummy tuck - Great Surgeon, not loving the staff...

[hadouni 301]

Hello All,

I finally (took three months) had a consult appointment to see about a panniculectomy/tummy tuck. I'm (of course) trying to get some of it paid for as a panniculectomy. I had a sleeve back in 2012 and am down almost 100lbs but I had Anthem/Blue Cross for my surgery and have been moved to a company program managed by Blue Sheild.

The surgeon is great. I really like him. I met him back in August when I went with my friend who will have reconstructive surgery with him. I checked in with my sleeve surgeon and this plastic surgeon is on his list of recommended surgeons. He is extremely graphic in explaining all that he'll do and what the recovery will be. I was a little surprised to find out I wouldn't be able to drive for at least 4 weeks. I was hoped to avoid the stiching together of the front middle abs but he recommended I have it done. My mom went with me and she was pretty freaked out by what she heard. I wrote in the paperwork I took in all I do to keep my belly flap from getting icky. I have a few Rx creams that have been perscribed for me or my son that I use or I use OTC hydrocortisone cream. He asked me if I'd been to my Dr for treatment and I told him no, I don't particularly like my Dr and have been successful managing it with what I have. So they ended up not charging me the usual $100 consult fee, and had me pay my insurance co-pay.

On my way out, the nurse told me the scheduler would be in touch with me in 2-6 weeks. What! It took me three months to get into him and now I feel like I'm being thrown to the bottom of the pile because I'm trying to use my insurance. So I took the scheduler's card and thought I'd drop her an email. Well... no email on the card. Just a phone number and she doesn't answer her phone. I've tried calling twice and get no response. The second time I called I explained that I was willing to self pay if my insurance wouldn't cover it so I'd like to get scheduled... no response. The first time I called I said I only wanted to talk to her for a couple minutes to get an idea of how far out they are booked so I had a realistic idea of timing. Nothing... So irritating! I guess this is what I get for wanting to go to a really good surgeon.

In any case, I hope to have my stomach fixed as soon as possible. I really need to be taken in about an inch at the seams all over, but my stomach is my highest priority and all I can afford. Oh wait, I can't really afford my stomach but I'm doing it anyway!

[BethinPA 305]

I am actually having the same problem. Call the office and ask to speak to the office manager and explain your situation. The point is, you are not getting the responsive service that you deserve. Your insurance situation is irrelevant - you are trying to reach a staff member, and your calls aren't being returned. Good luck!

[AvaFern 3,516]

Have you reviewed the doctor on realself.com? My PS has been largely responsive, although I have been irked a few times with regard to slow email, but I never had an issue scheduling surgery or any unreasonable delay in response time. If they want your business, they need to answer you promptly or you will go elsewhere. If they choose to continue to ignore you, post a bad review on realself and other PS review sites...that will likely get their attention quickly.

Edited November 2, 2014 by AvaFern

[My Bariatric Life 764]

Talk directly to the plastic surgeon. That is what I did any time I had a problem with the administrative staff.

[hadouni 301]

Thanks so much for your replies! I finally just went in to see them yesterday and talked to the office manager who handles the insurance and the scheduling for split pay patients like me. She was great and explained that the initial delay is getting the Drs notes transcribed and back to the file. She said she'd look for mine and try to get things moving.

Now I'm just on the fence about the abdominal muscle stitching part. I just want all the extra skin gone and my belly button fixed. I don't care so much about a smaller waist.

The greatest news is they might be able to get me into a spot in early December! So praying for all those planets to align for me!