How can we find a physician to perform a colostomy reversal?

[Mama1948]

I have joined this site on behalf of my 48-yr.-old brother who has a colostomy.  At the time his intestine ruptured Oct. 30, 2005 he was unemployed and uninsured.  It has taken 4 yrs. to get him qualified for temporary SSI and Medicaid benefits so that he can have the reversal and get on with his life.  The physician who performed the initial surgeryrefused further treatment after the surgery as my brother coult not pay.  My brother told the doctor that if he could make payments on the first surgery and go ahead with the reversal he could get back to work and pay him.  The doctor still refused.  Now that he has full Medicaid coverage which will pay for the reversal, the doctor has refused to do the surgery unless my brother pays for the first surgery in full, which on his income level is not possible.  Also, since he only asked for temporary assistance, that will expire before he could even come close to paying for the initial surgery.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Every other surgeon in the town where my brother lives has refused to do the surgery citing they "don't follow another doctor's work on a two-part procedure".

[Papoose7]

I would not have anything to do with that Doctor that performed the Surgery.  I would be afraid that he might not do his best if threaten.  I would however, go to the Hospital Administrator and complain about him.  It might help the next person in your situation.  
I would then seek out another hospitaL and doctors on the internet in your city.  Then go to their administrator and explain your situation.  They may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction.  Try the hospitals human resources, human relations or their social services department.  I went throught hell trying to get mine reversed.  I almost died.  So I decided to learn to live with it.  It is not so bad.   At least I am still here.  I have had it now for 11 years.  I am still not use to it but I am 67 years old now.  My boyfriend's (I have 2 Smile)  didn't let it bother them so I am  having a wonderful life in all ways.  I swim, ride horses and love my old fashioned movies and Xbox.   I even went back to school and got my Bachelors Degree as a Computer Systems Analyst.  So if you and your brother can't find a doctor to reverse it, count your blessings.  Your brother has a lot of life to live and a lot of things to do and it can be a great and wonderful life. Especially with a sibling like you to love.  Tell your brother to keep the faith and not to get too depressed about it. Do like my Granny use to tell me, hitch your wagon to a star and never ever give up.  There is nothing you cannot accomplish.  Wishing you both well, from  Papoose7.

[mammo]

That *****!!!  I would try going to the hospital where the first surgery was performed, talk to the administrator of the hospital about what can be done (don't call them). They have a lot of influence over the doctors who practice at their hospital. Ask to see a Social worker at the hospital, they can work with the doctor and hospital to ensure them that they will get paid, and this should satisfy the doctor.  But I wouldn't want to have the same doctor for the second surgery with his attitude! If this doesn't work, call the AMA and talk to them.  If all this fails, I would opt for going out of that town to a teaching hospital for help.  My son had 3 different doctors at 2 different locations operating to correct what others messed up on his colon, and we never had any problems.  Good luck to you.