Guestbook of Jeffrey Sweatlock

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Jeffrey Sweatlockgot a new guestbook post

35 days ago

Tim Jensen posted a note for Jeffrey that says:

Looking at the map, I see there is a reference center in Phoenix (Mayo Clinic). Meet with the doctors and see what they recommend. Valve replacement ...Read more

Looking at the map, I see there is a reference center in Phoenix (Mayo Clinic). Meet with the doctors and see what they recommend. Valve replacement would be my last resort.

Jeffrey Sweatlockgot a new guestbook post

35 days ago

Tim Jensen posted a note for Jeffrey that says:

Hey Jeffrey,

My story - I had a complex mitral valve defect that was repaired in 2011 but the valve was not repaired. In 2016, I had a re-repair ...Read more

Hey Jeffrey,

My story - I had a complex mitral valve defect that was repaired in 2011 but the valve was not repaired. In 2016, I had a re-repair at a reference center (Mt. Sinai in New York City) by Dr. David Adams and he succeeded in repairing my valve. He removed the old ring and installed new rings around the mitral and tricuspid valves. He also installed several new gortex cords to replace broken cords.

My advice - go to a Reference Center!!!!! Find one that specializes in complex valve repairs. Dr. Adams always says that 99% of mitral valves can be repaired.

The closest one to Arizona is in Los Angeles, CA. It is Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Joanna Chikwe and Dr. Alfredo Trento are at this center and are frequent guests on HeartValveSurgery.com.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Robert Miller I am curious with what you mean with "complex mitral valve defect". What was complex about it? I am a ... Read more

Robert Miller I am curious with what you mean with "complex mitral valve defect". What was complex about it? I am asking because I have some upcoming procedure.

As for reference centers, I have a slightly different opinion. Yes, you want someone very experienced. However, everyone needs to learn. And some top surgeons don't do the treatment themselves. They have "students" doing it with them supervising the procedure. If you go to a little bit less known hospital, you might get a top surgeon doing the procedure him/herself.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Agreeing, if you have opportunity, look for a experienced surgeon with many repairs per year. It´s n ... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Agreeing, if you have opportunity, look for a experienced surgeon with many repairs per year. It´s not a surgery for beginners as Robert says. If not, it´s better a good replacement to a bad repair.

Jeffrey Sweatlock Tim: I thank you for your comments. I want to and I am trying to get to a Reference Center as you su ... Read more

Jeffrey Sweatlock Tim: I thank you for your comments. I want to and I am trying to get to a Reference Center as you suggest. Dr. Chikwe did train under Dr. Adams.

Jeffrey Sweatlockgot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Brian McCann posted a note for Jeffrey that says:

Jeffrey, you would be looking for what the insurance companies call a "network gap exception" where you don't have a reasonable option within the coverage area.

I ...Read more

Jeffrey, you would be looking for what the insurance companies call a "network gap exception" where you don't have a reasonable option within the coverage area.

I had the same situation where I needed care and the local options were not as good as an out of state option. This was an ACA marketplace plan. In my case I had to initiate the request with the chosen surgeon, and his office took it from there. I also needed the support of my cardiologist and primary care doctor.

Jeffrey Sweatlock Brian: this is very encouraging that it only took you a few weeks to resolve. I too have an ACA plan. ... Read more

Jeffrey Sweatlock Brian: this is very encouraging that it only took you a few weeks to resolve. I too have an ACA plan. I would rather go to a Mitral Reference Center which has the team and surgeon who are doing this weekly instead of only a few times per year. Research has proven that volume makes a difference in expertise of the surgeon, the surgical/ICU teams, and the overall success of repair & outcome. That's why Dr. Adams established the Mitral Foundation. Plus I have some AR and TR, so not so straight forward.

I have reached out to two surgeons, so far one has contacted me. They seem to believe my cardiologist here needs to initiate but they will support the process. Are there any tactics, key words to say/use, that helped you get to "yes"? Please tell me/us more on how you won over your insurance so "easily". I am bracing myself for the customary "Deny" and "Delay". Otherwise, this could be around $300,000. Of course this has to happen at the end of the year. So far I am planning on the same insurance for next year.

By the way, I grew up in Emerson (so I know what exit you are...), but moved to Phoenix in '98. I don't miss your winters, just the fall.

THANK YOU Adam for posting my question. The information and community that you have built has been helpful beyond words. I am glad that you have continued this as a dedicated site and app because I do not do FB or other social media.

Jeffrey Sweatlockgot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Sue posted a note for Jeffrey that says:

Are you able to change your health plan so you can go anywhere? How urgent is the need for your surgery? Do you have time to get consults and change your ...Read more

Are you able to change your health plan so you can go anywhere? How urgent is the need for your surgery? Do you have time to get consults and change your insurance? Call insurance company and ask if another surgeon says that they can repair the valves instead of replace would they consider covering? What is your out of pocket max for out of network? Is this financially feasible to go to the best surgeon that you can go to?

I had mitral and tricuspid valve repair in New York (not local for me) with Dr. Adams (mitral valve center).

Jeffrey Sweatlockgot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Michele posted a note for Jeffrey that says:

Hi Jeffrey. My suggestion may sound extreme, but selecting the right surgeon and hospital is a huge deal. I would consider moving. You can get on the marketplace ...Read more

Hi Jeffrey. My suggestion may sound extreme, but selecting the right surgeon and hospital is a huge deal. I would consider moving. You can get on the marketplace in the city you choose where to have the surgery. Since it's a New Year, that would make it easier. Maybe a temporary move? Maybe just a temp apartment? Maybe tax consequences? Something to consider. All the best to you. Michele

Jeffrey Sweatlock Michele: I 100% agree that surgeon and hospital is a huge deal. that is a great OTB suggestion. I wil ... Read more

Jeffrey Sweatlock Michele: I 100% agree that surgeon and hospital is a huge deal. that is a great OTB suggestion. I will look into what residency requirements are. thank you