Anyone banded by Duke WLSC?

stewarps · February 24, 2008

Hi, what ARE the rules on that? I went to Duke in October. But had tests done in the year before that. For example, I had my stress test done last Feb. 07. Had blood drawn maybe in Aug. 07. I'm done w/ my 6 months pre-lapband diet in April and expect my paperwork will go up to insurance from there. Do you guys have any idea what times limits are on some of these tests? Thanks Kathy

I went to Duke meeting & applied early last Sept, & was given an appt 1/03/08. Was told then that blood tests had to be w/n 3 mos. They also redid my ekg (2X: one on "wrong paper", the second--ordered by them at Durham Regional was not yet listed in my record), then ordered a stress test even though (all) my ekg's were fine. Said I had significant "risk factors because I was obese (!) and so old. Then when that was fine (according to the tech who did it), they insisted on doing a cardiac catheterization, too, which was also fine. Two weeks later, they don't have any of the reports--including notes from 1/03--yet listed in my records! Have ALL reports sent to your primary care physician, & keep copies of EVERYTHING you turn in. Good luck. Pam

Kathy1991 · February 24, 2008

Pam, DANG! Are you OK? That's ALOT to go through. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. I will say, your heart better be ok after that!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbdown:) Hang in there!!!!! Thank you so much for the feedback. I'll call and find out what I need updated by next month. They need more staff at Duke (duh)! Thanks again, Kathy

jennifernc88 · February 25, 2008

Pam, thanks for letting me know about the time frame....I'm overly anxious and want to fast forward to surgery day. Has your file been through medical/surgical review yet? I agree with Kathy, I think Duke needs more office staff. Good luck and stay positive. Jennifer

stewarps · February 26, 2008

The last time I looked online & talked to them, they said it often took a couple of months to get all the info credited (!!!), so have not yet been through any review yet. Pam

Dolo · March 3, 2008

Im currently awaiting insurance approval for Duke WLS and Dr Pryor. My PCP recommended her and had sent another patient to her with good results. Hopefully next week Ill get my date. Im also in Apex.

I am approved & have a date w/ Dr Pryour, cant wait! April 16:thumbup:

bestie73 · April 3, 2008

The whole process has taken WAY longer than I had expected. I went to my informational in Oct and finally got a 1st clinic visit in Feb. It is now April and I am still waiting to hear when my 2nd visit is. Thankfully I have all of my test done. Apparently they are waiting for the ditcation from my 1st clinic visit to come back so the surgical team can meet........the other day the office staff told me that it takes 4-6 weeks for dictation! Guess they are swamped..........I can't wait much longer!!!!!

stewarps · April 3, 2008

The whole process has taken WAY longer than I had expected. I went to my informational in Oct and finally got a 1st clinic visit in Feb. It is now April and I am still waiting to hear when my 2nd visit is. Thankfully I have all of my test done. Apparently they are waiting for the ditcation from my 1st clinic visit to come back so the surgical team can meet........the other day the office staff told me that it takes 4-6 weeks for dictation! Guess they are swamped..........I can't wait much longer!!!!!

Be sure NOT to wait until you see info listed online. Call, & talk to insurance person, nurse, etc. Also, just this week they finally found my missing results from tests done 1/10. I'm about to call now to recheck. It really is ridiculous, but have spent too much time & too many $$ already not to give it a chance to work out. Good luck to you. Pam

jennifernc88 · April 4, 2008

The wait is very frustrating. I attended the info seminar on 1/18, delivered my application on 1/28 and my first appointment is 4/23!!! I had the barium swallow, EKG and blood work done the first week of March to help speed up the process. I've been calling to see if I they have a cancellation but no luck yet. Hang in there and good luck!

Jennifer