Hi everyone! I'm up the the Seattle area and have a strange question... I've already done my pre-requisites, gotten insurance approval, but haven't set a date. They have given me the run around from day 1. There is NO support from their office. And they're quite rude if I have to contact them.

Here's the question: Is it possible to change surgeons?? From the beginning, I haven't liked the office/staff/doc that I've been dealing with. Something just doesn't feel right.

I've contacted another surgeon/office and they were AMAZING and SO HELPFUL. They are on my insurance!

I'm so nervous that changing will screw up insurance and they'll deny me. I just don't want to have this life-changing surgery with a less than stellar doctor and staff.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks Much!

I don't have any medical office knowledge, but I would switch if you don't have a good feeling about your current surgeon/office. You have paid for each appointment and test along the way. Those findings and results and records are yours. Transfer of your records from one office to the other should be able to be done with a authorization signed be you. The office you are wanting to switch to should be able to advise you.

Good luck! I really like the office I go to in the Everett area.

If it were me I would most definitely change! I want to feel comfortable to ask questions or voice concerns if need be. If the office is not treating you right it is your prerogative to find another doctor.

Aggie, I'm in Seattle as well and would be glad to discuss more in person or on phone if you want. I used pssc and was very happy. You should switch if you are not comfortable, as this needs to be a long term relationship..

Pm me and be glad to provide any other connections or info from my perspective.. Join the Washington state Bariatrics Facebook group as well..

If you're feeling unsure I would say change! If your insurance covers another office and you've got results etc there is no need to have this extra worry on top of your others. You're going to need support, there is no reason to put up with a group that doesn;t want to support you.

Speaking as someone who had an issue with a surgeon who would fit the pattern of gaslighting and blacklisting, go for the other surgeon.

I would also say, if you are willing, please please let others know of your experience.

Not trying to discount others, but things might change depending on your circumstances. Some people did well where I was at (they had no problems, etc.) but one person who did summed it up: they want all the low hanging fruit. In other words, if it is easy and you do well, fine. Otherwise you are on your own and they don't do enough before writing you off.

What happened to others, happened to them. What matters most is you getting the experience you need. Things may have changed and I have found out that there are those who have threatened things against people if they talk about their good or bad experiences. Don't be so sure that the people out there are not working for the group themselves. I've had that happen before also.

I changed 4 months into my 6 month process because I didn't care for my original surgeon. I am so glad I did. Go with your gut. (Get it? Your GUT!!?!!?)

Perfectly possible to change surgeons.

You'll likely not receive credit for all your pre-work and have to repeat portions of it to satisfy the new surgeon's requirements (not simply satisfying insurance requirements.....great surgeons have high standards).

If you feel like you aren't receiving the best care then by all means make the switch.

It's not about swiftness to get the job done.......but having the procedure and aftercare performed by the best available.

You should have no problem switching, and you shouldn't have to repeat anything. Since you already have approval, it may be as simple as calling your insurance company and changing the authorization to your new surgeon.

I would say switch surgeons. As soon as my surgeon's office received my approval they called me to schedule my surgery. The only thing I haven't gotten yet was pre-op instructions but I won't bug them since my surgery is 6 weeks from now. Before you switch, call your insurance carrier and make sure that the switch will not interfere with the approval you already received and explain to them as to why you are making the switch. Make sure you get the first name and last name initial of the reps/supervisors you speak to and a reference number if they have one. I work in insurance and authorizations... this is to protect you in case someone says later down the road says that they never told you that you could switch, etc. Good luck and keep us posted on what happens!

I'm currently doing the pre-surgery process with Dr. Srikanth in Federal Way and it has gone very smoothly. His staff and he have been great.

Thank everyone SO MUCH for the input!! I'm having a consultation with another surgeon tomorrow! I figure, at least I can get an idea of how another surgeon/staff approach the surgery and patient experience.

I did contact my insurance and they advised it is possible to switch; however, I will have to resubmit the paperwork for approval (AGAIN). But, I do understand that is necessary.

Again, thank you all so much for reminding me to "trust my gut".

Am I Nuts?

@@AggieSleever

YES!!!

"did contact my insurance and they advised it is possible to switch;, have to resubmit the paperwork for approval (AGAIN). "

good for you that you are not "settling" with the initial surgeon

why would you want less than the best

resubmitting paper work is a small price to pay to feel better about a surgeon

hope you get approval sooner than later

good luck

kathy

Good postoperative support is invaluable. If you are getting red flags now, I would definitely change.

Thank everyone SO MUCH for the input!! I'm having a consultation with another surgeon tomorrow! I figure, at least I can get an idea of how another surgeon/staff approach the surgery and patient experience.

I did contact my insurance and they advised it is possible to switch; however, I will have to resubmit the paperwork for approval (AGAIN). But, I do understand that is necessary.

Again, thank you all so much for reminding me to "trust my gut".

How did the consult with the other surgeon go? I am in Puyallup & am going through Franciscan Center for Weight Management. My surgery date is January 7th. My Sister had her Sleeve done 3 1/2 years ago through Puget Sound Bariatric in Edmonds.

First, thank you all for your advice and replies! Sorry it took some time to get back. I should've listened to you all and my gut, but the crappy surgeon had a cancellation and I jumped at it. I'm 4 weeks post op.

The surgery went well. After the pre-surgery visit on holding, I didn't see me surgeon again. Still haven't... He has ARNPs do all his aftercare.

Looking back, I wish I would've gone with Puget Sound Bariatrics. They have quite the support system in place. Presently, I have none.

Thanks again all!!