Dr. Yates is an Uncaring Doctor with a poor Staff!! - Huntsville, AL

Provider Review

• 10 Mar 2015

After 2 years of being bed ridden…literally, I had my breast implants removed via the en bloc procedure. I went from a healthy, athletic 5’9? woman weighing 135 lbs to 223 lbs. Obesity runs in my family, so I have always been very health conscious. I use to run 8 miles six times a week just as a warm up to my workouts. It all began with ambiguous aches and pains in my back and in my abdomen. I went to the emergency room numerous times, orthopedic specialist for my back, GI specialist for my gut. I had endoscopy, colonoscopy, HIDA scans, MRI’s, CT scans…then the neuropathy began. Nerve conduction tests along with visits to three different neurologists. Two of the best in the country at Vanderbilt Hospital. They were considering an MS diagnosis. It wasn’t until 2 years later that my right breast became hard and excruciatingly painful l (capsular contracture). I asked the neurologist…could this possibly be my 13 year old saline implants?? He told me quite possibly…yes! He had seen women presenting MS and lupus symptoms come in wheelchairs and have explants done…and make partial to full recoveries. I started doing research online. I also researched my insurance company’s policy and found that they would pay for explantation if I had: baker grade 3 or higher capsular contracture and/or signs of infection and a letter of medical necessity from my surgeon. I consulted with Dr. Yates, and my intial consultation was great. We had a plan that he would write a letter and send it to the insurance company on my behalf and go from there. After 5 weeks, I called his office and inquired as to whether or not he had an answer from the insurance company. His nurse called me back and said the letter was never sent because they were waiting on me. Waiting on me??? I was very upset to say the least. The nurse told me that if I was that upset, maybe I should consider another surgeon. Wow. Trying to blow me off...unbelievable. I asked to speak with Dr. Yates personally. The next morning, the office called me back and told me that IF I still wanted them to that they would send out the letter and as soon as they hear something that I would have first priority for surgery. I decided I needed to take matters in my own hands. I wrote a 3 page letter to Aetna, and tied in all the tests and procedures to my problem but also presented it as a cost savings to them. I wrote that I had 2 nerve blocks and tests scheduled in the next month that would cost 3x as much as the explant surgery. I then called everyday and spoke with member services for three weeks. They approved the surgery 100%!! Dr. Yates' office called 1 week after they had the approval letter and asked me to come in for an appointment to discuss. He basically said nothing but yes they could schedule the surgery. Sorry...no priority but we can schedule you. He left the room, sent me back to the waiting room for another 30 minutes. His scheduler came out and asked me to come in her office. She said the soonest date she had was February 18!!! It was December 9th when I was there. Then to add insult to injury she told me that because it had to be performed at the hospital that they only schedule those surgeries for people who really need it. WTH!!! I was in tears the whole time. My husband was disgusted. I made an appointment the next day with another prominent surgeon, Dr. Robert Knowling. I explained to him my situation and he was so compassionate and so was his staff. Despite the holidays, they had me scheduled for January 8th. Dr. Knowling was so impressed that I was able to get my surgery 100% paid. He couldn't believe it. 2 days after the explant, I was 100% pain free. I have begun to get my life back, and couldn’t be happier. He did the most amazing job. His staff was so compassionate…they were a god send. I would love to see his name added to every list on the internet for en bloc explant surgeons. In summary, ladies..please be a champion of your own health. Do NOT feel hostage to one doctor. Especially one that treats you poorly...like a second class citizen. I am ashamed for him and his staff. To all women thinking of doing this…..do it!!! it will change your life for the better.