I am a self-pay patient. I have done every test, every lab, everything they asked. I am a teacher and have the summer off. I started this process in May. I realize some people take a year or more to get this done, but with self-pay I think it would be faster- and should be.

I don't have a certain date yet. Once I was told they would TRY to schedule me for Aug. 18th, as this is the last possible date I could have the surgery before I have to go back to work. I still have to have I think 1-2 more pre-op appointments and have not been given a diet or anything. Last time I needed an appointment I waited a month!!! I don't have time to wait a month before time runs out. I also can't really afford to pay for labs and everything all over again and wait until winter break or something. I feel like there is so much more I could be doing aside from just sitting on my butt waiting and wasting time.... I want to call and ask to just make the appointment, but they said they wanted the labs back first. I don't know how long the last batch will take (I had them done Friday.) I feel like they could at least give me the specifications for the pre-op diet or SOMETHING!! I wonder if I should change surgeons but at this point it wouldn't be any quicker- aside from which I think my surgeon is really good. I just am annoyed at the process.

Just need encouragement... thanks!

Edited August 5, 200817 yr by littlefroggy

Hang in there. I am self-pay too, it was a much more streamlined process from what the insurance co people are going through.

Can you see if they will schedule an appt without the labs, just to get you on the books since it took so long last time? Have you seen the nutritionist yet? I got in to see my nutritionist right away, so I was able to start working on losing weight and proper eating.

It seems like they would get you in right away if they are planning on an Aug 18 date for surgery? I feel for you. I was under the school starting gun too. Have to get things done on breaks so you can get back to work - it will happen for you! Hang tight and make a little noise, sometimes that is the only way to get anyone to pay attention.

Good luck, keep us posted on your progress!

Just a thought, but you could ask them for copies of all your records telling them you want to see someone else. I can't imagine a Dr. wants to lose a self pay patient.

Of course, it could back fire and they give you the copies and send you on your merry way, but you're not where you want to be right now anyway.

good Luck, I know how frustrating the process can be. It took me over eight months.

Just a thought, but you could ask them for copies of all your records telling them you want to see someone else. I can't imagine a Dr. wants to lose a self pay patient.

Of course, it could back fire and they give you the copies and send you on your merry way, but you're not where you want to be right now anyway.

I gotta support this quote wholeheartedly. If they balk at giving you your records, give 'em hell if they don't commit to an appointment right then and there. You are the customer! If they want your business, they'll get their act together. If they aren't interested in providing good customer service, get another doc. I'm sure if you tell the other docs appt folks that you are frustrated with your current doc, even though you are self pay (be sure to put this in the statement...), I'll bet they climb over lots of hurdles to get you in quickly!

Good Wishes to you!

Wow I can't believe it is taking so long. I could see that if you were relying on insurance. I am in Texas, but when I made my appointment for my consultation, they scheduled me for my consult with the nutritionist, labs, and ekg all on the same day. After that they were ready to schedule me for surgery in less than a week. Since I was self-pay, I didn't have to get all the other tests done or the psych eval because I didn't have to meet insurance guidelines.

I don't know if they are requiring such a wait with all the tests because of your bmi, mine was about 37. Or maybe your surgeons office is just so busy. That could be it too. So many people trying to get in during the summer break.

I wish you all the best and hope that you are able to get in for your surgery before going back to work. I had originally thought I would have my surgery on Friday and go back to work on a Tuesday, but I am glad I took two weeks off. There is no way I could have gone back any sooner (pediatric nurse).

Stephanie

They have to give you your records, it's the law.