Getting past the gatekeeper

[Toomany#s 59]

Has anyone else had trouble getting past the patient coordinator at the doctor’s office? No matter what records I have sent, she never seems to receive them even though the doctors are all on the same charting system so it’s always available. It’s been five months since my original appointment with the surgeon. The coordinator is never available by phone. I really don’t want to start over with a new office since everything they asked me to do is done, but she just doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge it. It’s frustrating.

[I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ 800]

Ask for the office manager. That's ridiculous. My previous surgeons office was similar to this, but my new surgeon has a much more efficient office and staff.

[vikingbeast 985]

Go in person and make her sit with you until it's all done. Or speak to the office manager and explain what is going on. If nothing else, make them print your records for you and go find a different surgeon without such a terrible front office staff.

[ShoppGirl 3,353]

You won’t have to start all over if you ou go elsewhere. Another surgeon may have different requirements and you will have to satisfy them but they should accept medical records of what you have already done.

[GradyCat 3,692]

I guess I got lucky, my coordinator was very responsive both by phone and email. Each surgeon in the practice had his/her own coordinator, so one person wasn't doing the entire office.

[Summermoose 193]

Ohhh that must be so frustrating!!
I would definitely try to call anyone that works there to reach someone who can help you out or just show up in person, five months is getting ridiculous. You have every right to demand some proper service by now! If they’re drowning in work they should at least notify people about longer waiting times.. They could even put that up on their website.
Good luck! Hope you get a positive response 🤞

[FutureSylph 377]

I feel your pain. Eight months since my first appointment and I can't a straight answer on the status of my insurance approval from the patient navigator. I understand that they can't perform any RNY surgeries due to COVID, but that doesn't mean the entire practice should come to a halt.

[I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ 800]

I can't believe how much run around some offices are giving y'all!

I have my "first" appointment with my surgeon today for revision purposes. Albeit, I'm not a new patient at this office, I want to share how this office works. Yesterday, the patient coordinator called me to let me know what my insurance requires as far as how many visitis, etc., and what costs I'll be responsible for. She said that the way things look right now, I could possibly be scheduled for surgery by the end of March or early April.

[Toomany#s 59]

Thanks for your responses. I sent her all the information again yesterday. I will call and ask for the office manager if I don’t get a satisfactory response from the coordinator today.

[Toomany#s 59]

It worked! She scheduled me for March 8th.

[I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ 800]

Yay!! 🥳