We are in the Pacific Northwest near the Washington Oregon border.
One of the reasons that the insurance company is covering it is it doesn't disallow it per se, plus we are fortunate to have very good coverage--and there are personal extenuating circumstances regarding my son's case. We went through the review board first. I've been up front, sent pictures, a letter from the family physican, and a therapist.
We will do anything to make our son feel comfortable with his body--even if it turned out insurance wouldn't pay we would do whatever we had to do. For all you young men out there that haven't gone to your families, I think you would find the same compassionate response. It was terribly difficult for our son, and he would not have said anything if I hadn't brought the topic up first.
Every one speaks highly of Dr. Bermant, yet no one has posted a response regarding their own before/after. I suppose after the success of the surgery the board is not needed?
i've got to commend you for being so supportive of your son and so understanding of how emotionally debilitating this issue is. my parents were also supportive, but i - ultimately - had to do the research in picking the right doctor, etc and had to pay for it myself. so i definitely have to give you props for going the extra mile and helping him look into doctors and solicit opinions, etc.
i didn't have my surgery with either doctor - from what i've read on these boards and from looking at their sites when i was picking a doctor, i think they're both well qualified and will do a fine job.
one thing i'd suggest is maybe meeting them to see who gives your son the best 'feeling' - i know that's such a subjective thing, but i think if your son feels more comfortable with one doctor over the other, then he'll have a more positive experience leading up to the surgery (and after the surgery as well).
i also wanted to mention that there are follow up appointments and it's always good to be closer to the doctor you end up choosing (in case there are any complications or just for the sheer fact that it's financially easier to travel to see the doc).
i think
Dr Delgado is in the Bay Area, and it'd certainly be an easier/less stressful trek to see him (rather than flying cross country to virginia). while distance should never be the deciding factor on the doctor you choose, in this case, i think you can use it because both doctors are board certified, have had years of experience with this procedue, seem very well qualified and will probably both do wonderful jobs.
at this point, take into account how your son will feel after recovering from surgery, thinking he'll have to fly cross country again just to get back to the comforts of home.
actually, post op isn't as bad as pre-op - i remember being a nervous wreck pre-op, and i personally would be more comfortable with a shorter distance to travel pre-op (just so that i wouldn't have to think about it for a longer time...)
best wishes to you and your son. i'm sure whomever you pick will do a great job.
Topic: Helping son select surgeon (Read 4396 times)
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