:pHey fellow Kentuckians, Who is your doctor and what insurance do you have etc.?

I have been to a seminar at St Mary's with Doctor Schuster. He seemed real nice. The nurses where very nice too. I have already sent in my paper work as well as all my medical records. What do I expect next? When will I be able to have a doctor appointment?

I have Humana Preferred and am unsure of how easy it is for them to approve.

I hope someone else om here has that insurance.

:confused:

I went to St. mary's/ Caritas, and I had Dr. Lusco he was great, and so where the nurses Lana, and Debbie. I got my band when the state had united insurance for teachers, you will have to wait 6 mos with HUmana, and then you will be able to ge tthe surgery from what I hear.

I was banded Monday August 27th by Dr. Jefferey Allen. Everything went great!

I had my surgery in February, 2005 by Dr. John Oldham at the Bariatric Center at Georgetown Ky. Dr. Derek Weiss is the other surgeon in their practice. They are a Center of Excellence facility, which is important, and they are great doctors and staff!

I started out at 293 and I have lost around 102 pounds so far. I have about 35 or so more pounds to lose to reach my goal of around 155/160.

I was self pay and don't regret the money spent for a moment. Total was around $17,000 including all the tests and lab work that I had to get.. but that was partially covered by my ins.

I am starting with Dr Lusco. I am ready to get on the Band wagon!

I am not falling off this wagon...lol

I am going to a seminar with Dr. Lusco. I have Humana PPO through GE. I am hoping for a smooth ride for approval. I have been overweight all my life. I have done weight watchers three times, south beach diet three times, herbalife as well as try to manage it on my own. I lose then gain back plus more. I now have high BP, cholestrol and low sugar. My lower back hurts along with my joints. I really need to do something because of my health.

`I wanted Dr. Lusco too but I have Humana PPo also and Dr. Luscos group is NOT in Humana's network so I would have had to pay $4000 up front as well as who knows what after the surgery, I have decided to go with either Dr. Allen or Dr. Geller with the Nortons group. They are in Humanas network and the only thing you pay upfront is $300 for the different tests the insurance requires and also your co pay. I have heard good things about the Norton group, people chime in and let us know what you think about them.

I have just learned that I have a date of 10/3, with Dr. Olsafka....the waiting is almost over.

Kygal, did you ever get an approval from Humana? I still have not heard anything from them.

PA

PA......I go a seminar Monday night with Dr. Lusco. The office told me that they will get all my information on Monday and I would hear something in about a week which is when I will make an appointment if all is approved.

playmate2b,

whom have you decided to do your surgery?

Busy,

I received a letter from the company that does the insurance approvals for humana...its called "Active Health." I had it here for three days before I opened it, because I thought it was someone selling a prescription drug program, or something like that. I had no idea what it was. Even wierder, when I called Dr. Olsafka's office, they had not received a copy yet, so I faxed it to them, and they called back the next afternoon with a date. They wanted to de the pre-op the next day, the doctor visist the week after, and the surgery the week after that!

I put it off by one week, to get some things wrapped up at work. Last week I went for the pre-op testing, which took most of the day, and my sugery is 10/3.

A long anwer I know....but look for something from Active Health. I was suprised i did not have to appeal, because I do not have diabetes, or any significant weight related illnesses (yet).

I have been in this process for over a year (I'm thinking almost 2 yrs). Been denied based on lack of 6 month diet info, submitted the diet info and was told I did not follow the proper procedures and my time limit had expired. Contacted an attorney and submitted an appeal...blah..blah..blah. Two months ago my doctor suggested I come back into his office and we re-submitt the info. The insurance co has paid for the office visit but they have not addressed the request. Guess my "to do list" for today includes contacting my doctor's office and insurance co. Thanks for the info, luck to you on 10/03, I will be checking up on you to get all the details!

PA

playmate2b

Which doctor did you decide to go with, Dr. Geller or Dr. Allen? I am going to look beyond the St. Mary's group as well. Do you already have a surgery date and if so which hospital are you going to?

I am starting with Dr Lusco. I am ready to get on the Band wagon!

I am not falling off this wagon...lol

I love your quote

I was banded on Wednesday, by Dr. Olsafka, and I have learned that when they tell you you need to use a Fiber supplement, they mean it. :rolleyes

Other than that, everything is great. I feel good, and I am happpy to report that I lost 15 pounds on the pre-op liquid diet. I guess that means I'm off to a good start.

KYGAL