The California Surgeons

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Hi Everyone,

I have uploaded this information into " Hull's Folder " in the

files section and have posted it here for convience. This is a basic

summary of your choices among the four DS suregons in California. I

would be interested in getting similar information from Dr. Welker's

patients, as Eugene, OR is not that far from California. Eventually

we might expand the list to include all the west cost DS suregons.

I have tried to stick with general facts to the extent possible.

I think that any of these 4 suregons are exellent choices, and it

really depends on your location and individual needs, as well as your

insurance coverage. However, I think everyone considering DS out

here should be aware of the basic highlights and lowlights of the

various CA suregons.

Hull

The California DS Surgeons:

A. Rabkin, San Francisco:

Completed over 500 DS surgeries. Uses " laprascopically assisted "

technique.

Excellent surgical track record, one of the best in the business

High staff turnover, long wait for appointments.

$12,000 surgeons fee required at time of surgery scheduling Typical

insurance reimbursement is limited to about $4000, and patient is

responsible for the remainder.

Exception for those within 35 miles of San Francisco belonging to

Sutter-Gold or Brown & Tolland medical groups. $3000 program fee in

that instance (not covered by insurance).

J. Anthone, USC

Completed over 500 DS surgeries. Uses open surgery.

Excellent surgical track record, one of the best in the business

Long wait for appointments, overworked staff. Good post-op care but

poor support of pre-ops.

Accepts most insurance including medical/Medicaid. Does not accept

Kaiser. No program fee.

Crookes, USC

Completed about 50 DS surgeries. Uses open surgery.

Good but short surgical track record

Long wait for appointments, overworked staff. Good post-op care but

poor support of pre-ops.

Accepts most insurance including medical/Medicaid. Does not accept

Kaiser. No program fee.

Ara Keshishian, Delano

Completed about 133 DS surgeries. Uses open surgery, just started

doing laprascopic surgery.

Excellent but surgical track record, but with less experience than

Anthone or Rabkin.

No wait for appointments, excellent staff, very helpful nurses.

Accepts most insurance including medical/Medicaid. $2000 program fee

(not covered by insurance).