I need bunion surgery on my right foot (of course, so I can't drive for a month - should be interesting). I've never had surgery before, besides pregnancy-related/post-loss surgery.
I've talked to two podiatrists in two different practices in buildings next to each other. They generally agree on the type of surgery and most medical details. Bunions are really common so they both do them every week and use the same surgery center.
One doctor is a woman who is part of a large orthopedics practice that DH used for an arm surgery. They seem to have a lot of resources at the facility in terms of radiology, physical therapy, etc. She's 40 and has been board certified since 2013. Her podiatry school doesn't seem to get great ratings, but she was in a highly ranked residency program and was chief resident.
The other doctor used to be part of the large orthopedics practice but is now part of a smaller podiatry practice (affiliated with a large health system). He's more experienced (board certified in 2004). I looked up rankings of podiatry schools and his seems to be well rated. He's 43.
I got good vibes from both of them. Should I choose based on experience, or affiliation, or does anyone have any other advice?
My kid has had a lot of surgeries. I picked my OB because I wanted a certain hospital with a good NICU (not Catholic). They also have a highly rated children’s hospital- top in the state. Surgeons were affiliated with that hospital. One was his regular ENT, but they operate as a team. And his heart doctor was highly recommended by doctors and nurses and also works as a team. The hospital itself was really good. They did a pain round along with regular round which was nice. They x rayed him daily and rounds were more than once a day.
It is also a teaching hospital so they are more up to date in their research. I am assuming you met with both and had your consultation? My mom had bunion surgery and it didn’t last, so maybe ask about that. How are they to work with on billing and office staff? How are they rated on patient satisfaction online? I do like the rehab options of the one.
waverly thank you! They both get good online reviews. The woman said I would likely need another surgery down the line, while the man said it totally depends on the person, but fewer than half of his patients have recurrences. He painted a less rosy picture of recovery, so I don't think he was just inclined to tell me what I wanted to hear. If I definitely would need physical therapy, I think I'd go with the woman's practice, but I likely won't need it. Hmm....
My kids have had 3 surgeries between them. We did a lot of research for DD's 1st surgery, none for her second (because we found out that the first surgeon couldn't do it <24 hours before her surgery), and none for DS's.
As long as they're both well respected, don't have any negative complaints, and equally qualified, I'd go with whichever doctor you like more.
Since you would be comfortable with both, what about OOP costs?
I was going to recommend looking at this too. Our insurance has a saver program where you can plug in a service, compare costs at different places, and even get a discount on different services if you choose a less expensive facility from the list.
Or not to sound like a nutcase, but you could choose the higher one if you have a low OOP for the year and you know you have additional expenses. Most years we hit our OOP, so I choose the more expensive facilities when it matters, whereas I might avoid them otherwise (like DS and his broken arm have been at the premier fracture hospital in our area). Sometimes it doesn’t matter and I go where it is less expensive (like the MRI place that literally has no decor and plastic seats and no music option - you just listen to the banging).
Update - the doctor I met with yesterday already put in for insurance authorization for the surgery. I was open about having met with the other podiatrist and that he was a second opinion, so I think it was pretty clear that I hadn't decided who to go with yet. I was leaning toward him given that he had more experience, but now I'm not sure. Should I be glad that his office got the ball rolling, or does that feel overly aggressive/pushy to you?
sdlaura - I prefer that they all put in for it. If the first office hasn’t that would bother me. I hate being delayed when things are set due to back office issues like that. For DD’s oral surgery, I actually left the oral surgeon referral and went back to the first as the first reached out to discuss. The referred surgeon was like “sure we will bill it” and when I pointed out preapproval and wanting a cost worksheet they balked. It amazes me.
sdlaura, I don't think it is pushy. I think doctor offices put in pre-approval so that the patient and the insurance company know that they are OK going ahead with the surgery. This way if there are insurance issues they know about them ahead of time and can make decisions instead of you having to go through insurance appeal and not getting coverage, and ultimately paying out of pocket after the surgery.
Our healthcare system is broken in that it is the only service in which providers cannot tell you how much it will cost, or will balk at it. I very much would prefer to know approval and costs up front then to find out there has been a $$$$$$$ mistake somewhere along the line.
I would be thinking a combination of “that’s presumptuous “ and “wow! They are efficient and have their act together!” But frankly more the second one because doctor’s offices who act like they’ve never heard of health insurance before drive me batty.
Post by mustardseed2007 on Dec 4, 2018 14:12:16 GMT -5
I agree that putting in for a service early is not aggressive, it's responsible! I've had a few things where I specifically ask that they get the insurance ball rolling early and the provider did not listen to me.
We showed up for a hernia surgery for DH several years ago and they wanted us to pay 1,500 dollars up front. It should have been only a few hundred dollars. I KNEW that wasn't right but they hadn't contacted the insurance company ahead of time and so they weren't coding it right or whatever the problem was. DH was in massive pain, had no patience, and absolutely would not believe me that they could be in the wrong. So we paid too much up front, and got lots of money back from them way later.
It pissed me the hell off. Broken system is right! And I appreciate a doctor's office that anticipates that kind of thing for sure!
I would be thinking a combination of “that’s presumptuous “ and “wow! They are efficient and have their act together!” But frankly more the second one because doctor’s offices who act like they’ve never heard of health insurance before drive me batty.
Those were my thoughts exactly mommyatty! I wasn’t sure which one to lean toward.