Jose's Guestbook

Jose Villarreal  Lola, in my case I live 700 miles from Dallas even though I'm in the same state. I initially saw the surgeon, Dr Doolhab at UT Southwestern virtually at home. By the time of the visit his staff had gathered all the important records. My Cardiologist facilitated the process. Once i decided on a surgery date the staff kept in touch and provided instruction. I traveled to Dallas in time for a preop appointment the day before surgery. I checked in the following day for surgery was discharged on day 3 and flew home on day 4. They arranged for a followup with my cardiologist 3 weeks after surgery back home and have a virtual visit 1 month after with the surgeon. After that my cardiologist will take over complete care. Hope that helps , Good Luck

Lola Whitworth  Jose, that is perfect. Thank you. That really helps me look at another option. I was not sure about flying after surgery and knowing your initial visit was virtual set my mind at ease about that part.
Thank you again for your time. I hope you are doing well.

Mike Wynn  Jose: Just curious, I read about many in this community who get two, three, or four opinions. I assume the opinions are not without a cost. What have you learned about insurance covering a second or more opinions?

Rose Madura  So I had four opinions and they all were the same. The first was with a new cardiologist who took over from my cardiologist of many years who retired. I didn't like the guy so I went to another cardiologist for 2nd opinion. I only had to pay an additional co-pay for this visit and he agreed. I liked this doctor (he went to medical school with my brother) and also grew up with us. So I kept him as my cardiologist. So the 3rd opinion was my brother who is a doctor. He didn't charge me 😊 And the 4th opinion was his best friend who happens to be a thoracic surgeon and he talked to me over the phone - also at no charge. All four opinions agreed-surgery was necessary. And my brother and his friend went so far to say it was long past being necessary. They didnt understand why it wasn't recommended a year earlier based on my exho from 2016. My thought is this. If you want a second opinion, call your insurance company. If the two opinions agree, go with it. If they differ, call the insurance company again to get a third opinion. I think most insurance companies would welcome a second opinion.

Deena Elani  Mike- ditto what Rose said! I got three opinions. BC/BS paid for all three, hands-down. All three opinions said I needed surgery; two were the same on the type of surgery and the third differed. I think the third differed mostly because my mitral repair was complicated due to calcification and needed a very experienced surgeon.

Jose Villarreal  Thank you Jay Appreciate the prayers. Everything thus far has gone very well. The surgery went well as did the post operative course. I was released on post op day 3 and flew home from Dallas yesterday. I will post pictures on my story.

Mike Dotson  You recovery starts tomorrow. You are in good hands with Dr. Doolabh and the team at UT Southwestern. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Jose Villarreal  Thanks so much Mike. That adds to my peace of mind I am going to the right place. Will keep you posted.

Adam Pick  You got this Jose! Dr. Doolabh is an AVR specialist. You are in great hands! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Neelan-Doolabh-Dallas-Texas.php

Jose Villarreal  Thank Adam!! Reading through this forum cemented my decision to go see him at UT Southwestern. You have provided an invaluable resource .