Does anybody have Aetna HMO? I was so thankful my local (in my network) vascular surgeon opted to NOT do my surgery (or even decide if I should have it) because of a lack of experience. So, he sent me to someone with more TOS knowledge and surgeries under his belt. The dr. he referred me to is Dr. Jeff? Ballard in Orange, CA. He's on Aetna's HMO plan, but not in my physician's group. Naturally, I had to get authorization through a request from my PCP just to consult with this "new" surgeon.

Apparently, my medical group physicians actually decide if the auth. will be approved and they chose to deny mine saying that I need to see someone in my group. But, what if there's NOBODY with TOS experience in my group? I don't want some Joe-Smoe doing it! Don't they understand it's a relatively rare condition that many physicians don't even know about? What if some doc with a big head on his shoulders decides he's good enough to do it, even without experience? Don't I have a say in who does it - somehow?

I guess I don't really understand how the whole HMO thing works in this situation (haven't had to deal with it yet). If anybody can help, please write!

UGH - I'm so frustrated, I want to scream! Thanks for listening.

Carrie