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Dr. Peterson and No Insurance Surgery,
It has been 4 weeks since Dr. Peterson performed my routine inguinal hernia surgery. It is rare indeed anymore to have anything work out as advertised. No Insurance Surgery is the exception. Every aspect of NIS's well-planned process went exactly as expected. There were no surprises, and no additional costs. Once I realized that I had a hernia, I searched for local information in regards to insurance, surgeons, and surgical centers. Cost, procedures, and other details proved difficult to determine, I realized that I would probably have to see several doctors to get enough definitive information to be able to make a decision. NIS stood out in stark contrast. On your site is a wealth of information that helped me determine what I needed to do. I filled out the questionnaire online and receive a call the next day from the office. I was told the total cost of the procedure, and they asked if I'd like to schedule a consolation with Dr. Peterson. We talked for 15 minutes the next day. I was impressed. The next day I scheduled the surgery online for the following week. The staff at NIS and the Surgery Center were very professional. All aspects of the process went very well. I was also impressed with the blood work and the ECG nurses at the other offices in the same building as the NIS office. The Surgical Center staff was great and even put up with my jokes. In the OR I remarked to a nurse doing something to my left arm that her hands were colder than my wife's. Then I remember saying that I hoped the baby wasn't breech and I suspect that the anesthesiologist might have had enough of my humor because that was the last thing I remember. Lights out. As promised I came out of the anesthesia shortly after surgery in just a few minutes with no residual effects. I was able to get dressed and get into a wheelchair with a minimum of difficulty. I experienced no fever, no nausea, and my right leg never gave way on me in the first 24 hours. I only took one prescription pain reliever on the first and second nights to help me sleep. After that Advil was sufficient. I was able to travel back to Phoenix by car the next day without much problem. Dr. Peterson used a waterproof bandage that worked great. In the first week I needed to sit a lot and take it easy. My only concern were bowl movements that put some pressure on the area. I was very careful as to what I was eating, and laxatives helped as well. After about 10 days I was doing quite well. I noticed some minor discomfort on occasion for the next couple of weeks. Now after four weeks there are no longer any reminders of the surgery, except that the area around the incision site is still numb. I have health insurance through Christian Care Medi-share, but it has a $10,000 deductible. The reason I have the insurance is to put a cap on my financial liability if a medical situation emerges, but in order to have low rates I realize that I am responsible to take care of relatively minor health care expenses. My wife and I are as sell-sufficient as possible, and don't rely on traditional systems to take care of our needs. So we quickly grasped the concept behind No Insurance Surgery. Dr. Peterson's out-of-the-box thinking made perfect sense to us. Dr. Peterson was completely professional, had time for us. I very quickly felt completely confident with Dr. Peterson during the first examination. On the back tables of the examining rooms in his office, Dr. Peterson has several dozen jars of meshes that he has removed from patients. A graphic reminder that mesh repair can have issues. I was also reminded that Dr. Peterson's non-mesh hernia repair technique has an extremely low recurrence rate. I have come away with complete respect for Dr. Peterson. I have and will continue to recommend him to others. It seemed to me like I had stepped back 50 years to a time where things were simpler and things worked like they were supposed to. The only issue I have is with Suncoast's charges, but I'm working on that. The location of the accommodations was very convenient.
Thanks.
Gary D. Smith
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July 23, 2013
Greetings,
My heartfelt thanks to you, Dr. Petersen and your outstanding staff for this truly amazing experience in the repair of my inguinal hernia. Today, is the one week anniversary after my surgery. My journey to Dr. Petersen began after I developed my inguinal hernia, as a result of a lifetime of heavy weightlifting. I immediately started research on the internet to develop a comprehensive understanding of hernias. I found the internet to be a double-edged sword. The hernia forums were basically horror stories of botched procedures and complications. As I did more research, it emerged that these horror stories basically involved mesh procedures. Then there were the sites that recommended against surgery, promoting watchful waiting. The basic premise being...if the hernia is reducible and asymptomatic...don't risk surgery. Understanding the physiology of a hernia...I quickly realized these were foolish notions. As I continued my research, I became increasingly aware of one name...Dr. Petersen...who was mentioned as an excellent hernia surgeon. He is one of only a few surgeons who don't use mesh for hernia repair. I went to his NOINSURANCESURGERY internet site and immediately wished this would have been my first stop. It would have saved me considerable confusion and anxiety. The information contained within this site is thorough and easily understood. It answered all of my questions and gained my confidence that this, was indeed, the best procedure and surgeon for me. I scheduled an initial appointment with Dr. Petersen on June 27th and drove four hours to meet him at his office in Las Vegas. He is just like his YOU TUBE videos!! I had my list of questions, I'm sure he had answered a hundred times before, and he patiently answered them again for me. I scheduled my surgery for July 16th and returned home. I had some other questions after our meeting which were promptly addressed. June 15th arrived, the day prior to surgery. Had a blood test and EKG and another meeting with Dr. Petersen. I also had anxiety about the surgery....which was later to prove unfounded. The day of reckoning arrived....July 16th. My friend and I drove to the surgery center...which was yet another positive experience. The staff was great!! They got me prepped...Dr Petersen and the anesthesiologist spoke with me...answering my questions. They rolled me into the surgery room...onto the table...the last words I recall saying was...."It's getting a little fuzzy." I awoke...in recovery...it was over. After about an hour and some instructions from the nurse...I was on my way back to my hotel room. Just a walk in the park. The next day, I again met with Dr. Petersen and his P.A. Dennis Dey (Great Guy!!). Everything looked good and I was released to go back home. Here is the really good news...other than some expected swelling and tenderness at the surgical site...no complications...AND the anticipated...dreaded pain from hernia surgery was non-existent. I was armed with a vial of Percocet which I didn't need. On a scale of 1-10 for pain...I was a zero. This I attribute to the surgical expertise of Dr. Petersen. This morning P.A. Dennis Dey followed up with me....nice touch. He reminded me for the next 90 days I was under Dr. Petersen's care and If I have any concerns to contact him. Accolades are not enough for you Dr. Petersen and your staff for my experience. You are the man. There is no other surgeon for this procedure. I can easily understand why people fly in from all over the U.S. for your skills.
Thank you so very much,
Joe Wallek
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June 2013
Dear Dr. Petersen, Kari, Kim, Jacqueline, and all,
Thank you for gMng me back my life and for saving it. Recovery has gone well • I took it really easy for the first 8 weeks. This felt right for me with my challenged back. But 1' appreciate your confidence in your work at lifting restrictions for me much earlier. Although I am completely back to normal (walking plus swimming), I'm careful because my left side aches a little from time to time and you indicated a real weakness there. r • We traveled home onday 3 aftersurgery. This was the final day to take a pain pill. • I found that I had no pain when I was flat on my back So I mostly laid down the first week After that I really did not have that mush pain., Only soreness. I continued to lie down for 2-4 hours each day for the next 3 weeks. •. Diminishingsoreness continued for 6weeks. As the days go by I am appreciating you more and more. I don't think about you all day long as I did the first few weeks! But every day many, grateful thoughts go your way.
With 'warmest regards,
Dennis W. Rowland
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When I first began looking for a physician and facility to have my surgery, done, I was distraught over how expensive this minor surgery would cost without the aid of insurance. The average surgery including your initial consultation, blood tests,EKG, anesthesia, hospital/surgery facility, and post and pre-op visitations was between $13,000 -$16, 000. When 'l first saw "No Insurance Surgery's" advertisement online, I was quite apprehensive. Specifically because it would require travel and Las Vegas which has a reputation that is not really favoring the medical industry. I decided to do my due diligence and check out Dr Peterson on "ratemds.com". I was pleasantly surprised that he was rated very high. After discussing my procedure with him during my initial telephone consultation, I was even more convinced that "No Insurance Surgery" was the way to go. I must tell you that meeting Dr Peterson and his staff in person was a wonderful experience. If you have ever had to stay in a hospital you will understand that although you may be cared for, it is a very impersonal experience. At "No Insurance Surgery, the consultation, the surgical facility, and all of the post and preop treatment handled by wonderful compassionate caregivers and ancillary staff made this experience truly exceptional. I would highly recommend "No Insurance Surgery" to anyone considering this procedure.
Marsh
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Dear Dr. Petersen and your wonderful staff,
My husband and I are so grateful to Dr. Petersen (and his staff) for giving Jeff a chance at gaining his life back. For the past 5 years, Jeff has been to a dozen doctors who have dismissed his post hernia repair (with mesh) pain, laughed at him, or wanted to do experimental procedures. His life was so debilitated that he had to give up all of his passions, hobbies, and could only work part time. Dr. Petersen is a one-of-a kind doctor in that he actually cares for his patients and wants to see them regain their health and their lives. Unlike most doctors, he never tried to rush us out of his office, but gave us more than enough time to ask questions and thoroughly answer our questions. Dr. Petersen skillfully removed all of Jeffs mesh, sutures, and repaired his hernia properly. Upon waking up from surgery, Jeff could already tell that his mesh pain was alleviated. To the staff at No Insurance Surgery, thank you Kari and the receptionist (I'm sorry I didn't catch your name). They went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable; they were kind, generous, personable, and made sure to answer every question with sincerity. Even when Jeff vomited in the waiting room trash can, they were there with bagels, water, and Benadryl to calm his stomach! Because there are so many people in similar situations as Jeff, we have started a fundraiser called "Stand Against Mesh" where we will raise money for men and women who need mesh removal, but who lack the money for the medical expenses. We are referring patients to your office and are donating the first $100 in your names. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You! We still have a long road ahead of us, but you have given us the hope needed to continue down that road. You will forever be in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Liz Scheurer