Sort of an insurance/doctor post...

Vickums · November 8, 2004

As I think I mentioned, I'm pretty limited as to who I can see based on the fact that I work at an HCA facility. The only doctor I've found is Dr. Nirmal Jayaseelan.

Here's the map of hospitals that are covered by my insurance. Does anyone's doc practice at any of these hospitals??? Anybody? Anybody?? http://www.hcahealthcare.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=56B0A2BE-268D-407A-BA31-3223710C7EC0# (I think you have to cut and paste the whole URL into your browser, including the pound sign, for some strange reason).

So far I've found "Dr. Jay", who was recommended by a Yahoo bandster. It looks like he's done about 400 surgeries, so I like that experience level; also, his patients seem happy, and his office called me back right away and was really good at giving me information.

But I dont want to put all my fat cells in one basket (hee) so to speak, so I thought I'd ask around. If you guys don't mind taking a minute and looking at the map and telling me if you recognize the facilities, that would be swell. I know I'm asking a lot, but there are a lot of bariatric docs out there and I've tried doing some cross matching but my head started to spin.

Thanks muchly,

Vickie in AK

The New Grrrrl

leatha_g · November 8, 2004

I think it's very wise of you to do your research. I've heard pretty much only good things about Dr. J.

Not sure who the doc is, but it seems like Medical City, Dallas also has a lapband program. Rodriguez, perhaps?

Have you tried the surgeon locator in www.lap-band.com website?

leatha_g · November 8, 2004

As I think I mentioned, I'm pretty limited as to who I can see based on the fact that I work at an HCA facility. The only doctor I've found is Dr. Nirmal Jayaseelan.

Your insurance covers the doc here, but do you know if it covers the facility he does surgery at? That was the hurdle I ran up against when I wanted to use the facility and Dr. Benevides.

Vickums · November 8, 2004

Hi Leatha,

Medical City, Dallas is the facility that is covered by my insurance. Basically, because I work for a hospital, they're more concerned about me going to a facility that's part of the network than the doc. If I see a doc who doesn't practice out of a HCA facility, they cover zippity doo dah. But near as I can tell, Dr. J practices out of a hospital on the network. They used to cover it at a lower percentage, but our new plan covers nothing. Lucky me. ;p

Do you know of any other docs who practice out of there? Also, any ideas for cheap places to stay since they're wanting me to stay there for awhile?

Also, I tried the surgeon locator but it'll only give me info about Alaskan docs since that's the demographic info I put in.

leatha_g · November 8, 2004

I have a list of local Inamed certified doctors in the area. Unfortunately, this list does not specify facilities they use. I can send to you privately if you'd like to give me your email addy. You can send that in PM if you like, or you can use my email leatha_g@hotmail.com . Also, there is a Westin Park Central there close and a Sheraton Park Central, both very nice places. (I oughta know I used to live there.lol) I believe there is a DoubleTree within driving distance and I can look for others, if you like.

Hope this helps!

Vickums · November 11, 2004

Thanks, Leatha. I'll PM you my email addy. Good to know there are nice hotels nearby. I'm wondering if I'll ever get banded, but I'm gathering as much information as I can so I can figure out the financial aspects of it -- plane tickets, hotels, etc -- and be prepared when and if my insurance company hops on board.

Thanks for all the help. I want to keep my options open, but it doesn't look like I have too many options, do I?