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35 Years Old, 150 Pounds, Size 34G! Houston, TX

UPDATED FROM sooper80

Insurance claim denied

After 2 months of waiting BCBS sent me a letter in the mail, they have denied my reduction claim. my experience with Dr. Hey was neutral but the office staff experience has been negative. I felt I had to constantly call and follow up on my end regarding updates but because I was going through insurance my questions were passed on to their insurance claims department. It felt wrong from the start when I called in to book my appointment and I should have asked more questions during the consultation.

sooper80's provider

Patrick W. Hsu, MD, FACS

Patrick W. Hsu, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (4)

NOTE: Doc. Hsu, and not Dr. Hey.
I'm sorry for your denial. It sounds like my experience, in which I gave up and paid out of pocket. It seems like some PS's offices just don't want to deal with the insurance thing. They don't understand how important details are to the insurance companies. I would ask to see what was all submitted. Maybe they didn't submit enough documentation or they didn't send the photos. The other thing you should do is call your insurance company and ask them flat-out what they require for you to be approved. They will tell you if the doc didn't send something they need. Most times it really is that easy - just call and ask. Good luck!
So sorry you had this experience. I went to Dartmouth in Lebanon, NH and was told up front it would take 4-6 weeks to get my insurance approved or denied. At first I got a denial letter in the mail but about 3 days later, I got an approval letter. I think my dr's office took care of the items that were the denying factors. I had my original consult in April and the soonest he could do my surgery was July 6. The waiting was awful, but now I am 4 weeks post op. It will happen for you. Be patient, take your time, find the right dr and pray about it. I will say my dr. didn't have the best bedside manner, but I had heard wonderful things about his surgical skills and the fact that he is working at Dartmouth Clinic, I knew he had to be good. So I followed my heart and went with him. It will all work out in the end. Good luck to you.
I agree- I have scheduled my SX with Dr. Hsu- only because his work speaks for himself but as far as his staff- they are all LOST and NOT on the same page! They are a hot mess! I also had to keep following up with them!

If Dr. Hsu had better staff he would probably have more patients.
UPDATED FROM sooper80

The Consultation

On May 25th I had my first breast reduction consultation with Dr. Hsu. I have to be honest, I called the office to inquire about the insurance process which they couldn't say much and if there was a earlier appointment available, which to my surprise there was a cancellation so I got in. I don't know if I should have waited for my original appointment time because I felt it was rushed.
It's past a month and I haven't heard from them. Can anyone tell me what they went through and how their initial reaction was?? I saw the doctor for less than 30 mins - told him that I was going through the my insurance, then waited some more until someone said I needed to take photos. Is is normal to be confused and still let with questions?

Replies (3)

My consult lasted 1.5 hours. I met with the nurse and doctor. Both were great to sit down and ask me what I wanted and were interested in my story. The Dr then dogs some measurements and made some recommendations. Once I got back into my clothes he then came back in again, pulled the stool up in front of me and asked what questions I had. They were very thorough. They discussed how they have worked worth my insurance in the past and what I should expect. The very next morning the Dr office called and dais they called the insurance company to confirm and everything was set to go so I scheduled my surgery. Does your ps have a nurse or assistant you could call and talk to? Have you thought about going to another ps?
I actually was told by their patient care person that unless my breast are hanging down to my belly it would be hard to claim it on my insurance. After reading your comment I'm starting to think maybe I should consider another ps, I just thought with his reviews and credentials I would feel confident about my choice...thank you so much for your reply brightensmom!
It sounds like you're not comfortable after your interaction. It's good to reach out and ask what went on since your visit but personally, I'd look to see another doctor to get a sense of who you're more comfortable with. They also don't seem versed with your insurance. That could end up costing you a bundle. I had to prove a history of issues to get coverage. That included ER visits, therapy and chiropractic records. I still have 15% to cover.
It doesn't hurt to get another referral.
Hey, who did you have your consult with (besides the doctor)? Was there a nurse or patient coordinator with Dr. Hsu the day of your appt? You should contact the office or email them to see what's going on with your Sx- it might be they're waiting on the insurance.
I got scheduled for my consult the following week after I inquired about it. During my appt, Claire (the patient coordinator) was there throughout the whole appt (before, during, and after) Dr. Hsu came in. I think my whole appt lasted a little less than 1 hour. Dr. Hsu was probably with me off and on for 30 minutes total though. I had alot of random questions but Dr. Hsu did answer them thoroughly and I felt like we were all on the same page with what I wanted and the realistic expectations he could give me- that was the most important to me. I really feel like I enjoyed my experience during that first consult because of Claire- she's been there for any questions I had and responds pretty fast. If you want to ask me anything specifically, you can always PM me!
Yes I have spoken with her over the phone only before my consultation. But never met her at the appointment nor has she helped me afterwards either. During the consultation a nurse came in and asked couple health questions, then after dr Hsu another nurse came in and took my photos. Then i was told that was it. Maybe I should call them to just follow up.
My consultation was maybe 10 minutes with the doc. Yes that part felt rushed. But I had done tons of research and really had no questions. Any questions I did have afterwards went through an assistant. I also knew going into it that my surgeon was not known for good bedside manner and his appointments were hurried, so I knew what his personality was like. I also knew he was a very skilled surgeon, so I felt it was worth it. (I know for myself, that I don't like doctors and I don't want one that will attempt to hold my hand through it. Less interaction the better for me.) I am completely satisfied with my results. But to each his own, and I agree that if at any point you don't feel comfortable with that surgeon, definitely contact another. Until the day of surgery, it's not too late to change your mind.
UPDATED FROM sooper80

My pre surgery photo

Finally had the confidence to post my photo. Pre surgery, size 34G

Replies (1)

We were twinsies! Ivse same size pre-op.
What size are you now?