Doctors and Insurance Issues

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/29/2001 11:08:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

duodenalswitch writes:

> . In the end I came

> away thinking that this was one great doctor with lousy

> administrative support.

>

And on the other hand . . . there is a foot! Maybe I am lucky enough to have

the Oxford Freedom Plan which on which Dr. Ren is an in-network provider, but

I have to tell you I have been approved for a DS on 4 separate occassions!!

My initial consult was in May and my original surgery date was end June. Dr.

Ren had an out of town emergency and we rescheduled for mid July . . . I

broke my ankle . . . we thought I would be okay in mid November, but my leg

wasnt strong enough yet to endure post-op walking and she wouldnt do the

surgery unless I was 100% mobile so we have now finally rescheduled for

December 18th. Each time has had to work with me to schedule my pre-op

testing as well as work with whomever is handling the insurance and I must

say my experience has been completely different regarding the staff.

I do, however, feel very comfortable with Dr. Ren and am so glad with the

choice I have made. My PCP is also familiar with her and her work which

makes me feel very happy!

Just another opinion!

Debbie

Pre-Op 12/18/01

Dr. Ren NYU

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the info. I do want a very, very competent surgeon who

is responsive to complications. I am anticipating some challenges with my

insurance company (BC/BS). Although Dr. Ren is part of their network, they

state they do not cover the BPD/DS however right underneath that their

policy states ...

Individual consideration

All our medical policies are written for the majority of people with a given

condition. Each policy is based on medical science. For many of our

medical policies, each individual's unique clinical circumstances may be

considered in light of current scientific literature. For consideration of

an individual patient, physicians may send relevant clinical information to:

(and they provide their local address.)

So I'm hoping that with a strong advocate I'll be able to have it covered.

I've already contacted an attorney, but the doctor will have to be

cooperative too.

ann

Doctors and Insurance Issues

Dr. Ren is very smart, very capable, very easy to get along with. I have no

question about her skill as a physician, and she is, really, really, really

nice. I met post ops in her waiting room who told me that at critical

points in their immediate recovery period Dr. Ren never left their sides.

That said, when I saw her over the summer she was obsessed with the lapband,

and she is extraordinarily persuasive on its benefits.

I think if you anticipate insurance trouble you had better be prepared to

get a lawyer. I don't think, frankly, you will get the backup from her

office that you will need. .

Hope this is helpful, ann. Good luck.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I have a POS Plan that Dr. Ren did not participate in. My approval

was initially delayed because the insurance company wanted additional

info (My BMI was barely 40). The info was sent and Dr. Ren had to

also speak with the insurance company and my PCP, who never heard of

a DS. My approval came 3 days later. Dr. Ren accepted what the

insurance company paid her and didn't bill me for the outstanding

balance. I know her office has gone through some growing pains

lately. Her insurance Guru, Rick left suddenly after a death in his

family and had to be trained to take over his job. Gio, her

nurse practioner now works full-time at NYU. My experience was very

positive both with my " paperwork " and after my surgery. My catheter

came out the morning after surgery. I was not completely emptying my

bladder so I felt bloated and uncomfortable that second night. Dr.

Ren came to see in the early hours (1 or 2 a.m.) I asked her what

she was doing there and she said that she was out on a date but

wanted to stop in and see me herself. She said that she was

concerned and couldn't go home without first making sure I was okay.

Her date was waiting for her in the car to drive her home. I thought

this was " above and beyond " . She could have just sent the resident

on call to see me but chose to come herself in the wee hours. I am 7

months post-op and both Dr. Ren and Gio have been very responsive to

any calls and e-mails. I felt that I made a great choice. Good luck

on your upcoming surgery.

- In duodenalswitch@y..., sadiedkh@a... wrote:

> In a message dated 11/29/2001 11:08:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> duodenalswitch@y... writes:

>

>

> > . In the end I came

> > away thinking that this was one great doctor with lousy

> > administrative support.

> >

>

> And on the other hand . . . there is a foot! Maybe I am lucky

enough to have

> the Oxford Freedom Plan which on which Dr. Ren is an in-network

provider, but

> I have to tell you I have been approved for a DS on 4 separate

occassions!!

> My initial consult was in May and my original surgery date was end

June. Dr.

> Ren had an out of town emergency and we rescheduled for mid

July . . . I

> broke my ankle . . . we thought I would be okay in mid November,

but my leg

> wasnt strong enough yet to endure post-op walking and she wouldnt

do the

> surgery unless I was 100% mobile so we have now finally rescheduled

for

> December 18th. Each time has had to work with me to schedule

my pre-op

> testing as well as work with whomever is handling the insurance and

I must

> say my experience has been completely different regarding the staff.

>

> I do, however, feel very comfortable with Dr. Ren and am so glad

with the

> choice I have made. My PCP is also familiar with her and her work

which

> makes me feel very happy!

>

> Just another opinion!>

> Debbie

> Pre-Op 12/18/01

> Dr. Ren NYU

>

>