I really think this post is important now that I’ve been through a “failed” ESG (and some other complications). If you’re looking for an ESG clinic, please make sure they have a proven track record for patient care! Let me explain why this is so incredibly important!
Assume you have a common GI problem that needs treatment. You go to your GI doctor, but then you have further issues or complications. Most likely you would then go back to your original GI doctor for additional help. But what would you do if you thought your doctor may not know what he’s doing, or he did something wrong? Well, you’d probably go to a different GI doctor for a second opinion. These are the logical steps that many of us (in the USA) have followed. Now, let me explain why this often doesn’t work for ESG.
ESG Is Very New
There are not very many doctors around who perform the procedure yet. If you try to get a second opinion about a possible ESG complication they won’t know what they’re looking at unless they have been trained on the equipment and procedure. This makes second opinions hard to come by.
ESG Is Not Covered By Most Commercial Insurance Yet
This makes it even more difficult to get a second opinion, or go to a different ESG doctor once you’ve had it done. You not only have the out of pocket cost for the procedure, but the costs of further testing and/or re-suturing (if needed). Considering that ESG can cost anywhere between $9,000-$16,000, the costs can add up very quickly.
I highly recommend going somewhere that offers special ESG cost protection insurance. This is not the same as your personal commercial insurance. You purchase this special protection when you pay for your ESG.
Difference Between Success and Failure
I have been in the situation described above, and it was sometimes scary. I had concerns that my original doctor was not addressing or taking seriously. When I would ask other professionals unfamiliar with ESG if something was “normal”, they’d recommend I go back to the doctor who did my ESG. However, I no longer trusted that doctor (for a lot of reasons). I was stuck and very frustrated. I ended up getting advice from different doctor (Dr. McGowan – who is experienced in ESG) located several states away from me. After experiencing care from a different clinic who puts patients first, it became very clear how the right medical team can make all the difference between success and failure
Conclusion
Please find a clinic that you trust! One that has a proven track record for excellent patient care. Don’t settle for less. Even if this means traveling out of state. Hindsight is 20/20, and I would have much rather have traveled far for great care than gotten poor care because it was local and “easier”.
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