No Date: How do I locate good doc -- suggestions?

I am on board for a hysterectomy for large fibroids. The fibroids are pretty big now, cantaloupe sized (at least) although I haven't had an ultrasound in a year and half, so it's hard to say how large they are until I get in and update that this month.

What I want to know is, what is the common procedure for finding a doc who will do a minimally invasive hysterectomy for this? I know it takes skill and experience, and most docs will just shake their heads and order you in for abdominal. Can I call physicians offices and find out about them on the phone, or do I just have to go in and meet with each candidate? I have no referrals to really go with at the moment (I live in Corunna/Owosso MI) and I'm unsure how to proceed. My insurance is not very good (amazingly high deductible) so scheduling appts all over the map would be costly and slow things down, natually.

Of course I will do what needs to be done -- just wondering what everyone else has done! Thanks for your input!

Stephanie

Try Marshfield Wisconsin if willing to travel....the Drs there were amazing!!! They did a Total Abdominal on me because my tumor was so large, not sure if you'll be able to have a less invasive procedure!!! My regular Dr recommended I go to St Joseph's hospital / marshfield clinic in wisconsin and I am sooo glad I did....research like crazy, that's what I did...good luck!

Drive to Grand Blanc. 48439

And they are amazing with any bills and monthly payments....my insurance got messed up and I got a bit of help from the state and salvation army to travel...I was 5 hours away!!! Salvation army will fill your gas tank before you leave! It was an awesome gesture of help on them, only if it's medical though!! You may also get reimbursed through medicaid for travel, food and hotel....and found out the tax deductible helps at the end of the year!!! Good luck!

Your GP or the person you see for regular medical issues usually suggests a couple of people.

Diana -- I had just left my GP previous to this issue and tried a new one. (Her office was treating me like a 'new patient', and for the price, I wanted to try someone new.) The new GP was the one who found the fibroids. I immediately scheduled an appt with a GYN in town, but he's the one who wanted to do a full abdominal, with NO suggestions for recourse. I live in hickville, and I just don't trust these country docs to give good referral, or even be up on new procedures. I had an appt scheduled with a possible good prospect in Detroit, 1 1/2 hours away, but my father convinced me to try closer. So I'm on the hunt, and I won't rest until I find 'the one.'

I really suck at just hiring contractors for the house, so you can imagine how stressful this is going to be!

Go to the daVinci website and use their "locate a doctor/hospital" function. I looked for a city that had multiple doctors associated with the same clinic/hospital. Then I called the doctors' office and asked how long the doctor has been doing the robotic surgery, how many cases he/she has done, and how many of them convert to abdominal surgery. Beyond that you really need to meet with the surgeon and decide if it is a good fit. I was lucky and found a really great surgeon. I think by being somewhat methodical, you can improve your chances.