Ravi Moonka Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Moonka is with Virginia Mason Medical center in Seattle. He was very nice, quite knowledgable, and seemed very confident about his skills. I felt very comfortable with him. His office staff were very nice in person. However when I called to let them know that my insurance company had not received any info from them they were very rude to me. I felt so upset after dealing with them, especially because I was so afraid of irritating anyone for fear I would jinx something and not be able to have the surgery. anyhow I was denied but am going to appeal. I don't expect any help from his staff. They are general surgeons and do not specialize in this surgery. The insurance company was irritated and told me that My surgeon should have all the information I needed to get the coverage. And they have offered no help at all.

My surgery consultation is scheduled for August 5th 2002, with Dr. Moonka in Seattle, WA. I don't have much to say about him, yet. His office staff is very polite, and patient. =)

Dr. Moonka is so wonderful, he was so polite, informative, and honest. What else could a person ask for? His office staff is so incredible! They are so patient and kind, and informative. The many times I have called they have not let me feel like I was a pest. I am glad he is my surgeon I can’t wait to see him again for pre-ops.


The following is a personal opinion about Dr. Ross Fox in Tacoma: Very funny; yet, informative, nice, personal

I think it's all about the money now. They won't do my surgery, even if I was ins. ap-proved, because my ins. co. won't pay enough
Very nice staff, just a little misleading.
That he charges so much. If I paid cash, I'de be in dept for the rest of my life.
They do not accept medicaid or champus.
If you aren't going to follow up don't have the surgery because it is a lifestyle change, and crucial to your health.
Yes.

Very thoroughly. gave a list of the risks, probably because he's legally obligated.
Nice Guy. I appriciate him donating his very $$$ expensive $$$ time to the group discussion.
Both are very important, But I would rather escape with my life, thinking the surgeon was a jerk; than have an extreemly nice idiot. This information is about Dr. Ross Fox.

I think my surgeon was great the only thing I don't like is when I was denied, they just said sorry, and don't help in any way with the appeal, you are on your own..

my first meeting was a good experience he and his staff were very helpful and made me feel that i had made the right decision. Now I am scared waiting for the ok by the insurance!!!!!!!! it looks like surgury in july if ok'd by insurance. keep your fingers crossed. thanks
Just an update my surgon has changed and i am now have Dr. Moonka still at Virginia Mason. My surgury date is June 26th!!!!!!!!!!!!!wish me luck

Hi!

I met with my surgeon this morning. He was so postive and kind. In reading some of the postings on the "first impression" of surgeons, I was very pleasantly surprised. He explained the procedure and gave me every oportunity to ask questions.

The office staff was wonderful. For the first time in YEARS I felt normal because I was treated normal. (I am sure you all know what I am talking about.....)

From my experience with dealing with
Dr. Moonka, he is a very well mannered rather young surgeon, who is very informed on his procedure for WLS. He has a great manner and is very confident. He goes to great lengths to explain the benefits and the complications of WLS. He doesnt have a strong aftercare program, but he does make sure that he stays in contact with your PCP, and with you. He asks you to promise him to come to the visits that is set for you for after care and also makes sure you and your PCP have a plan for aftercare also. He goes into great detail about the surgery and how the weight lose will be on an over all scale and reminds you that WLS is different for everyone. HE explains the procedure and how he does it, verbally and with pictures. He is very responsive to questions. He makes sure you have a full understading of what WLS and how it will affect you in the long run. Dr. Moonka is rated very highly in the Pacific NW., as a competent surgeon and I find him to be a very personable man.
Dr. Moonka's office staff is very pleasant and easy to deal with. They get as excited as you do and they are very supportive when things are not going the best. They are prompt with phone calls and prompt with getting the insurance filed and sent out.
In my opinion so far, I rate Dr. Moonka his office staff a 10 ! Surgery for me isnt until July 18th.

I was referred by Dr. Moonka by my physician. My first impression was how caring he was, did not make me feel ashamed. His office staff and assistant did not seem to notice my weight but saw me as a real person.

Dr. Moonka went through the complete process with me than gave it to me in writing. I feel like I can contact his office with my questions (which I have). This is becoming less often since I found the great support here and on Spotlight health.

Dr. Moonka has give me hope and I will not disappoint him.