New Start - St. Louis, Pre-Op Testing

Ann Becker · 02-23-2007, 08:29 PM

Hello. I'm still gathering tests for co-morbidities, psych evaluations, etc. before even submitting my application to New Start. I understand that the file doesn't even go to the surgeon for review until everything is included.

IF I get approved, what "pre-op" tests happen that I haven't already had and who does them? I asked someone at New Start, but haven't gotten the answer back.

beachgirl · 02-23-2007, 08:34 PM

I went to Mexico so I didn't have to have any but I've heard some of the tests done here in the states are chest x-ray, bloodwork, sometimes stress test, sometimes the test where they look around down in your throat, I forget what that is called but I don't think that is done very often. Mainly just minor stuff from what I can remember. I am sure someone else will chime in and have more. Good luck with your journey, you'll love you band. I've been banded for a little over 7 months.

Ann Becker · 02-24-2007, 07:08 PM

Thanks for answering. Looks like you're doing great! Ann

coolbrez84 · 03-16-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann Becker

Hello. I'm still gathering tests for co-morbidities, psych evaluations, etc. before even submitting my application to New Start. I understand that the file doesn't even go to the surgeon for review until everything is included.

IF I get approved, what "pre-op" tests happen that I haven't already had and who does them? I asked someone at New Start, but haven't gotten the answer back.

Saw your message today, just last night went to a New Start seminar given by Dr. Folwell. Have some questions regarding the program and type of insurance that you have or have heard of approving the Lap Band procedure.

Any information would be great!!!!!:help:

Ms Jen · 03-16-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann Becker

Hello. I'm still gathering tests for co-morbidities, psych evaluations, etc. before even submitting my application to New Start. I understand that the file doesn't even go to the surgeon for review until everything is included.

IF I get approved, what "pre-op" tests happen that I haven't already had and who does them? I asked someone at New Start, but haven't gotten the answer back.

Hi Ann

I just got apporved today and I'm working with the Weightloss @ DePaul. I'm told that they do a final blood work-up, EKG, Chest Xray etc. The norm for surgery.

Jennifer

Ann Becker · 03-17-2007, 10:12 AM

Jennifer,
Congratulations! You must be so excited! Keep us posted on your progress.

Ann

Ann Becker · 03-17-2007, 10:26 AM

Coolbrez84.
I might have responded to your message privately (not too good with this PM stuff). Anyway, if I messed it up....my insurance is CMR through Carpenters Health & Welfare.

One thing I've noticed about New Start, is that they seem understaffed administratively, so calling them with basic questions doesn't get you too far. You may already know this, but the Psych evaluation has to be done before the surgeon reviews your file. My insurance didn't cover that....$300 out of pocket. I had a sleep study and blood work done. I'm waiting for my PCP to send her letter to New Start. Once she does, my file will go to the surgeon for review. If surgeon approves me as candidate....New Start will send a letter of "medical necessity" to my insurance company....if/when the insurance company approves me, New Start will set up consultation with the surgeon and I guess a surgery date would be arranged at or after the consultation. Does this answer some of your questions....if more, keep on asking.

Ann

Ms Jen · 03-21-2007, 10:58 PM

Yep e-e-e :clap2: I was approved on the 16th and got my surgery date of April 13th. I have pre-op class on the 30th of this month. That involves meeting the dietition, lab work, x-ray, ekg and a consultation with
Dr. De La Torre.

I jusr can't believe it!!!

:lalala:

Ann Becker · 03-22-2007, 01:04 PM

That's great news Jennifer!!!! Keep us posted. Ann

mmills · 07-25-2007, 04:58 PM

I too went to one of Dr. Folwells seminars (April 21) I am waiting to be approved by my insurance. Any info on him or New Start you could share? I'm from Quincy,IL. Thanks.

Mary

Ann Becker · 07-25-2007, 08:11 PM

Hi Mary. I have never met Dr. Fowell, but he will be assisting in my surgery. I switched gears. I'm going with a newer procedure, called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. New Start is just beginning to perform this procedure, so you may not have heard about it yet.

Anyway, Dr. Richardson is the lead surgeon for me, and I like him. I'm sorry I can't give you any info on Dr. Fowell.

Good luck with everything.

Ann

Ms Jen · 07-25-2007, 10:08 PM

Sorry I know nothing of New Start, I went to DePaul.

mmills · 07-26-2007, 10:15 AM

Ann,

I looked on the New Start website but see nothing about this new procedure. I did find info on another web site. Sounds interesting. Any idea the recovery time for this procedure? Also, will insurance pay or is it still considered experimental?

Thanks,

Mary

Chris61 · 07-27-2007, 12:26 PM

I would see if you can use your own psych doctor. Also I am going to Dr. Minkin at Des Pers Hosp. I haev my psych review on Tueday July 30, 2007.

Chris
Pre band
St. Louis

Chris61 · 08-16-2007, 05:39 PM

Hi All:

I justed wanted to give you an update on things since it has been a while since I posted. Sorry for the delay.

Well we both went to see Dr.Minkin on Monday the 13. We went over the medical test that he required. We had figured that since we had not heard anything before the apt. we were fine. Thin he told us that they had allready since the request in for both of us back at the end of July. When he told us that I felt that this visit was a waste of time and money since he could have called on the phone. That being said, Iam glad that we did go because I was able to obtain the letters they had sent. So I called UHC to see if they had gotton the letters and they did not have anything in the system. So I faxed the letters to UHC and got a response back that not all the information that they were looking for in the letter or was submitted. However I do not know what was sent by mail/fax from there Minkin office. So I faxed the letter to his office and they can take it from there. They want five years and other information. I had to work very hard with my own doctor and had to go through my file myself to obtain all the information. I even had to write the letter. My wife is still having problems with here doctor but I feel we got them under control since we went to them on Monday before we say Dr. Minkin. Dr. Minkin did say they have up to 30 days to respond to the request and his exp. has been take that long. Were hoping for approval soon but not sure how long it will take etc. I did ask him that once approval is in how long do you have to get the surgery done. He was not able to answer that. Since we will not be doing the operations at the same time I have to schedule time off for both of us. I was thinking about work schedules, hoildays, etc. Then later in the day after reviewing the letter that he had sent I got to thinking about all the costs for both us and what we will have to pay out of pocket. We have maxed out the flex spending for this year that we might be better off to wait untill the new year. I really do not want to do that, I would rather start now but sometimes money holds you back.

I know this is long but I wanted to make sure that I covered everything so you all know what is going on with us. IF you have any questions you can e-mail me.

Thanks

Chris
Pre-Band
St. Louis