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Robotic Surgen NJ

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Posted 7/30/2008 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
I just had a biopsy yesterday and based on my PSA(12.5) and the hardness of my prostate the doctor feels that my outcome will probably be positive.

I have to wait 7-10 days for the results but my compulsive nature makes me want to do some due dilligence and begin to chech out doctors who are proficient in robotic surgery.

I live in Bergen County NJ and have access to Hackensack Medical Centers Cancer Center, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, St Josephs in Paterson and Holy Name in Teaneck. I have a POP BC/BS plan and the doctor has to accept this ....I'm not going to pay $20,000 out of pocket! I looked for example at Hackensack's Cancer Center and there are about 13 doctors who are in my BC/BS plan. Picking one is like throwing darts.

My doctor Dr. David Chang does not do robotic but says one of his partners does. That is good but trying to find a great doctor vs an ok one seems a challange since there is no way to grade these doctors. The only way is to ask people in fourms like this for suggestions. Sadly asking doctors for referrals can be risky...its a big boys club with kick backs and some under the table stuff. I know because we have a doctor in the family (out of stste) and we hear some of the inside "dealings" that go on. Perhaps it is just my New York area sceptical attitude but it scares me! 

If anyone knows of can suggest doctors in this area that are "top robotic docs" please let me know.

Thanks

Jack

Posted 7/31/2008 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Jack,

We live in Bergen Cty., and after our interview process, my husband selected Dr. Michael Esposito.   He's off Spring Valley Road, off Rt. 4 near the Bergen Mall. 

My husband felt very comfortable with him.   Believe it or not he has done over 1,000 robotic surgeries out of Hackensack UMC.  The hospital was wonderful.   He spent one night in the hospital in a private room.  All the nurses speak highly of Dr. E. 

My husband's surgery was 4/24.  The surgery went very well.  He had no incontinence problems but no erection yet.   The motions of the ocean seem to be working but the tide hasn't come in yet.   We are confident all will work out

Dr. Espo has a busy office. He is one of four doctors in his practice and I have never seen so many men in one place.    I think he is very worth making an appointment to see.  

We also went to see the Head Urologist at HUMC, Dr. Sawchuck?   I thought he seemed very capable, but it was obviously my husband's decision.  There's also a doctor at Columbia Presbyterian/Mt. Sinai  who is renowned in robotic surgery.    If you google protate surgeons in NY I think his name will appear.   Paul1959 went to him.  

Obviously, these are surgeons who specialize in robotic surgery.   You may choose another option.   I definite recommend you take your time selecting the treatment best for you.  Good luck good health and any other way we can help, feel free.   God blessed me when he introduced me to this website.   It helped me tremendously - emotionally and knowledgeably.  

Pat

Posted 7/31/2008 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Another thing, Dr. Espo is not in our plan. He is "Out of Network"  He accepted what the insurance would pay and did not ask us for the balance.   I'm not sure what your POS codes stand for.

Posted 7/31/2008 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Jack, I went to the N.J cancer instute in New Brunswick and spoke to Dr. Kim who was in my network. I liked him and he has done 400 of these operations. I also went to Dr. Espostio and Dr. Lanteri From Hackensack for an interview who were not in my network but would take what my medical plan would cover. I decided to have the surgery with them. My surgery is on Aug.11th at 6:30 am in Long Branch N.J. which is another hosiptal the work out of. Everyone that I have talked to have the highest praise for them. And I feel comfortable with my choice. Good luck and best wishes.

Jeff

Posted 7/31/2008 4:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hi:

Thanks for the information. You are one of several people who mentioned Dr. Espoito at Hackensack. I did not consider him because he did not accept Horizon BC/BS but form what you say is will take what the plan pays out of network and that is good news.

Jack

Posted 8/2/2008 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I had my robotic surgery last December at RWJH Cancer institute with Dr. Kim.  The results were fantastic. Nom incontinence after only a couple of days, no impotance.  Most importantly, i have had two follow-up PSA's (March and June) with non-detectable readings.  I was VERY pleased with Dr Kim's work.

I would be happy to discuss with you off-line if you would like me to email you.

Posted 8/3/2008 4:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi:

Thank you. I will check it out!

I appreciate the information.

Jack

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