I have been scheduled since October 16 to have shoulder surgery, and just got a call that it will have to be postponed. No reason, just Doctor is not doing surgery next Thursday. So I asked what my options are, and if he was adding another date before the end of the year?

"No. We can reschedule you for early February"

What about a waiting list?

"Sure, we can put you on the waiting list for the 19th, but I have to let you know you will be #9 in line."

Damn, I am so pissed, I told the scheduler to put me on the wait list, but not schedule me. Meanwhile they waiting until the last frigging moment, I have no hope of seeing another doctor and getting surgery in.

Should I just change doctors now, or should I see if I get lucky and have all six people scheduled ahead of me cancel, and three people cancel on the waitlist to get in on the 19th?

And before you ask, I get busy with work, and have meetings and conferences scheduled in February and March. I generally have two quite times of the year - Thanksgiving through New Years, and mid-July through late August.

*Edit - A little pissing and moaning directly to the doctor may have worked - see 3rd page for update*

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 280nosler,

quote:

No reason, just Doctor is not doing surgery next Thursday...

He's needed on the "Greens"?

Food for thought. Do you want your surgeon to be rushed while doing your surgery or relaxed.

I mean I’d be pissed too but maybe it’s for the best.

quote:

Originally posted by 280nosler:
I have been scheduled since October 16 to have shoulder surgery, and just got a call that it will have to be postponed. No reason, just Doctor is not doing surgery next Thursday. So I asked what my options are, and if he was adding another date before the end of the year?

"No. We can reschedule you for early February"

What about a waiting list?

"Sure, we can put you on the waiting list for the 19th, but I have to let you know you will be #9 in line."

Damn, I am so pissed, I told the scheduler to put me on the wait list, but not schedule me. Meanwhile they waiting until the last frigging moment, I have no hope of seeing another doctor and getting surgery in.

Should I just change doctors now, or should I see if I get lucky and have all six people scheduled ahead of me cancel, and three people cancel on the waitlist to get in on the 19th?
It will most likely take you longer to have that surgery.

And before you ask, I get busy with work, and have meetings and conferences scheduled in February and March. I generally have two quite times of the year - Thanksgiving through New Years, and mid-July through late August.
Unfortunately, you are not the only one with hectic work schedule. You'll have to decide, what is more important. The surgery? or work?

Sorry you're going through this, but waiting it out is probably the better option, instead of going with a new doc..

Wow, sorry to hear that. I doubt you will get any sooner with a new doctor especially this time of year as there is always a year end rush to get medical stuff done to take advantage by those that have met their deductible or out of pocket maximum. Does your doctor have a history of doing this or is it unusual? If he has a history of doing such frequently then it may be time to look at some other doctor. If not then it is probably best to wait it out.

that would piss me off if I'd made my deductible for the year and now in Feb have to pay the full deductible again. In some cases that could be as much as $10,000 to someone.

I'd call them and ask them what it takes to transfer files to a new surgeon, because if I have to wait until after the first of the year and pay my full deductible again why do I need them.

Doctors are human just like you and me, and they have stuff come up that they can’t foresee, yes I would be ticked off to but given the time of the year I doubt that you can get scheduled with another doctor on such short notice. Good luck

What. is he the only doctor that can perform. this surgery?
Find another Doctor.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
that would piss me off if I'd made my deductible for the year and now in Feb have to pay the full deductible again. In some cases that could be as much as $10,000 to someone.

I'd call them and ask them what it takes to transfer files to a new surgeon, because if I have to wait until after the first of the year and pay my full deductible again why do I need them.

Yup, it will hit me for another $5,000 after I have completed my requirements for the year. That is why I scheduled surgery when I did.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Sorry you're going through this, but waiting it out is probably the better option, instead of going with a new doc..

12131 gives good medical advice.
I just had a colonoscopy. You'd think something that easy would be easy to schedule.... but it took me 2 years. I'm partially to blame for giving up on it... but endless phone ques and the runaround from the scheduler. I feel your pain.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
Food for thought. Do you want your surgeon to be rushed while doing your surgery or relaxed.

I mean I’d be pissed too but maybe it’s for the best.

Keep in mind, he cancelled 9 other surgical appointments today over a 2 day period - I'm not the only one. Going into the next year, I do not have the money saved to come out of pocket for another $7,000 (I pay the first $5,000, then my 80/20 leaves me on the hook for an additional $2,000 before I have fulfilled my part.)

The other issue is that they will not do surgery more than 6 months removed from the MRI. My last MRI was done on August 2nd, so I will likely need another MRI. This whole thing is a clusterfuck.

Understandable to be upset. I'd call back once you've settled down. Explain your situation and ask for some assistance in getting in prior to the end of the year for your work and deductible related issues.

Very frustrating but things do happen and it could be a valid reason for the cancellation.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:...12131 gives good medical advice. ...

He should be a doctor!

I hope you get a slot, and not have to put this off, Mr. C.
(I would be upset as well.)

quote:

Originally posted by downtownv:
What. is he the only doctor that can perform. this surgery?
Find another Doctor.

Reality there is just about zero chance of finding one with three weeks left in the year plus two holidays.

I was scheduled for shoulder surgery and the morning of the procedure, as I was getting ready to leave the house, the hospital called to say the anesthesiologist just notified that she would not agree to participate because the waiver from my cardiologist (I had afib at the time) had not been received.

Long story short I decided just to skip it. That was about 6 years ago and now I consider the screw up to actually be a good thing. My injury was complete separation of my rotator cuff from the tendon from a severe fall on an icy driveway. My surgeon warned that if I didn't have the surgery my muscle would atrophy to the point where reattaching it would be impossible.

Apparently other muscles have filled in the void. My range of motion is about 90%, little or no pain, and the rigorous regimen of rehab avoided.

Obviously no two injuries are alike and in some cases surgery is absolutely required.

Best of luck whatever the timing.

I would call the office and explain the insurance issues and your concerns.

I don't think you will find another doctor to do it before the end of the year. At least not a doctor you want doing it.

Up to you whether you change doctors. I would make that decision based on how good your doctor is and what other good doctors you have in your area. I've seen orthopedic docs before. I haven't needed surgery yet but I always look into the ratings of the doc. What they specialize in. Are they using the latest and best techniques and how feel about them after seeing them?

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by RogB:
I was scheduled for shoulder surgery and the morning of the procedure, as I was getting ready to leave the house, the hospital called to say the anesthesiologist just notified that she would not agree to participate because the waiver from my cardiologist (I had afib at the time) had not been received.

Long story short I decided just to skip it. That was about 6 years ago and now I consider the screw up to actually be a good thing. My injury was complete separation of my rotator cuff from the tendon from a severe fall on an icy driveway. My surgeon warned that if I didn't have the surgery my muscle would atrophy to the point where reattaching it would be impossible.

Apparently other muscles have filled in the void. My range of motion is about 90%, little or no pain, and the rigorous regimen of rehab avoided.

Obviously no two injuries are alike and in some cases surgery is absolutely required.

Best of luck whatever the timing.

My condition is a bone on bone (AC joint), and a collapsed bursa. They need to shave down about half an inch of my clavicle, and remove the the damaged bursa.

Utilize the time to strengthen the other muscles around the shoulder - and your other arm. It will make rehab more tolerable and expedient.

Yes, I'd be outraged. In part because they cancelled, but in larger part because they do not seem apologetic or willing to accommodate.

Oddball thought here, but I wonder if the insurance companies pay any incentives to DRs to NOT work in Dec....