Questions on the time frame! Help :)

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Mon 24 Mar 2014, 3:17 am

That's gosford private hospital lol

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Mon 24 Mar 2014, 3:16 am

Thanks Thinlizzy

I hope you feel better soon.

Its comforting to hear good things about the man who will operate on me :P I have been on pretty much every topic on here, and think I have read only one slightly negative comment about DR Wong. And it was only that she felt he was too quick!

So yay. Sorry to ramble im just bursting with energy J

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Mon 24 Mar 2014, 3:13 am

Caseygrace101
I have just been sleeved by dr Wong on Thursday 20th march (yep last week). I am feeling a little sore but definitely glad I did it. Good luck, he is a great Dr and has very supportive staff. Gifford private was a great stay as well
Thinlizzy:)

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Mon 24 Mar 2014, 3:01 am

Here is my updated J

I have called around and now have an appointment with Dr K Wong in Gosford on the 14th of April. He has confirmed that its usually around 5 weeks from the initial consult and surgery.

looks like I will get in before HCF cut off!

However! I have still confirmed with HCF the options for top cover. – as long as I do it before the 30th of June, there is no waiting period for anything I am already covered for, as well as keep nill excess!! I got a very friendly and helpful person- via email ( so I have everything in writing) she sent me a few differnt options (all that include WLS) - it ranges between $20 and $80 more a month but is totally worth it for all the extra cover.

I am excited!

going to my local DR next Monday to get the referral :)

yay

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Sun 23 Mar 2014, 9:24 pm

Thanks Garfield99.

I am defiantly looking at either upgrading my cover, or switching funds (if I can negotiate a no waiting period) Especially for the chance of complications. Not only that, but I get a lot of use out of my funds for my glasses, and dental work. I think I am just bitter because I have been on this cover for 4 + years and I only got the higher cover because it covered WLS. When I finally decide to make the move, they decide to cut it.

I have tried to call HCF a few times, and got a few different people. They were not helpful at all. First time I called I was asking things along the lines of : where do I start. how do I find a DR etc.

I was asking if they can recommend DR's in Newcastle/ central coast.

He basically said NO, and didn’t tell me how I can find the information. (Their website is not user friendly at all)

The second time I called was about my cover, and what it was increasing to, and when I had to upgrade. He just said to call back end of June and they will advise from there. I was asking about waiting periods etc. I felt like they were just trying to get me off the phone.

Any way- I don’t want to rush into anything. But i really want to get the ball rolling :)

Can you recommend any DR's in the Newcastle area?

How long was the time between requesting an appointment to the first consult, and then how long from there to the surgery?

Subject: Re: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Sun 23 Mar 2014, 2:26 pm

Before you even start looking at surgeons or racing around trying to find one that will do the surgery in your preferred timeframe, you should be firstly looking at either upgrading or changing your cover.

Complications are very real issue you must consider and if you do have a complication, you will not be covered when they drop the WLS because it's considered revision WLS. You simply can't be racing to have the surgery before they drop the cover and expect everything to be smooth sailing afterwards. I've had complications twice - after sleeve which was so serious I almost died and was hospitalised for 3 months and needed emergency bypass. I then also needed revision bypass. Out of pocket, I have paid about $25k which is on top of my PHI.

Then there are other more serious complications for example Suzy77 who has been in & out of hospital for 2yrs and still can not eat a meal, requiring a pain specialists and other issues.

HCF will be offering upgrades for a short period of time, but they won't allow you to upgrade just before they drop WLS from the current cover - no health insurance company will allow you do it. They have warned you and given you the option to upgrade now (there will be a set end date) and if you don't take it up and something goes wrong, your surgeon may also refuse to treat you as you are not covered and unable to afford to pay the thousands of dollars you could be out of pocket.

For example - you will be out between $4000 - $8000 for the initial surgery (this is not covered by medicare or PHI) depending on what the surgeon charges, which includes actual fee for surgery, some services, their assistance, anaethetist, medications, any ongoing pain relief. Then if your cover is dropped, you will need to pay for PHI accommodation as the surgeon will not treat you at any other hospital, plus his fees. I think from memory Suzy77 is out of pocket of over $50k or more and she has top PHI. Without the cover, you could be looking at 2-3 times more then that.

Subject: Questions on the time frame! Help :) Sun 23 Mar 2014, 12:26 pm

Help please!

I live in Newcastle, and with HCF. There is really only one dr that I found in Newcastle that Hcf covers. The only problem is it seems that every other person and their dog wants him as well.

I called to request an appointment for DR costa two weeks ago and the first appointment I could get was 15th July! And then they said from there it will be another 3 months before surgery.

I'm worried for three reasons :

I want to start getting my life back ASAP !!

my work has black out periods for time off. Just so happens to be from July to October

As we know Hcf is increasing premiums and dropping wls from their cover

I would consider going to central coast, or possibly Sydney, however I worry about the added costs for travel and accommodation. As well as being in a place I'm not familiar with, I don't have a big support network, so I can't have friends/ family drive me or look after me.

Can anybody help with recommendations on drs that are quicker / easier to get appointments with.

Thanks in advance :)