soooo not happy with my doctor right now...

So, more dramaz with the surgeon's office.  Basically, they called yesterday to tell me that my 1st fill appointment would be July 22--after I specifically told them that I would be out of town until the 24th!  So, what was their response?  

Them:  "Well, the next available appointment is on the 26th."

Me:  "Fine.  I'll take it."

Them:  "...of August."

Me:  [stunned silence]

So, I gave them an earful.  Apparently, the surgeon "only does fills on Thursdays." And, he "only works 2 Thursdays each month."  Therefore, if I can't come on the 22nd, then I'll just have to wait until the end of August (fyi--3 months after surgery).  I told them that was unacceptable.  I reminded them that the surgeon's assistant had told me I would get my 1st fill @ 4 weeks (which would have been my appt. last week).  I reminded them that if they had given me the correct information in the first place, I would have arranged my travel plans accordingly.  I also told them that if the doctor couldn't manage to accommodate his patients in a timely manner, then perhaps he should take on fewer patients.  I also told them that if I had known that I would not be able to see my doctor when I needed him, then I would have chosen a different practice.  Their response was less than promising.  I'm supposed to get a call back today.

In the meantime, I contacted Ellie--my Aetna case manager.  I told her about the problems I've been having and asked about changing doctors mid-stream.  She said that I absolutely had the right to change doctors and that I shouldn't have a problem with Aetna coverage if I did so.  She agreed that my treatment has been unacceptable and will be calling my surgeon's office today to talk to them.  Currently, they have "Center of Excellence" certification with Aetna.  However, Ellie mentioned that if they want to keep their certification of "excellence" they need to give "excellent" care--which they have not so far.

Ellie's big concern is whether or not I'll be able to find another doctor who is willing to take me on at this stage in the game (already had surgery, but still fresh from it).  I've done some research and will be making some calls to a few places today.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get some consultations set up so that I'll have all my ducks in a row if I do decide to go ahead with the switch.

So, that's it in a nutshell.

***UPDATE:  I have since spoken with 2 bariatric offices who will be willing to consider  taking over my care.  One office was super-friendly and offers fills 5 days a week--but, they are about 40 miles away; the other office is super-convenient (~ 10 miles from home) but I forgot to ask about their fill policy.  The catch is that they both require a referral (with surgical notes) from my current doctor.  Somehow, I suspect that getting that referral won't be easy.***

***UPDATE #2:  I actually just got a call from the surgeon's office and I have a fill scheduled for July 29 with one of the surgical fellows.  I'm okay with this for now.  I think I will continue to explore the option of finding a new doctor.  I feel I owe it to myself to at least meet these 2 new doctors and go from there.  Although I'm sure his technical work above par--I've had too many dramatic moments and let-downs with this one.***

In happier news, we're leaving for Portland tomorrow!!!  I'm spending today getting things in order for the house-/pet-sitters (my sister, her partner, & their dog).  I also hope to make it to the store to buy a new pair of jeans since I was able to take my old pair off last night without evening un-buttoning or un-zipping!  I guess that counts as my first NSV!

I don't know if I'll be blogging much during my vacay.  So, if you don't hear from me for a couple of weeks--don't worry.  I'm sure I'll be back with a vengeance after the 24th.

Until then...

Cheers!