Update on BC/Healthcare Partners IPA

Hi - I thought I'd update on a new thread since this might apply to more ppl than just me.

It appears that I won't have to switch IPAs after all - I currently have PrimeCare and was considering switching to Healthcare Partners.

I went into my PCP today all prepared to fight for my referral, since I hadn't done the 6 months of weight loss as stipulated by my IPA. Thanks to Rockne *****ferred me to the CA Managed Care study about the weight loss BS - I brought that in and my PCP really listened to me! She seemed really interested in getting me on the surgery list, and with the right type of surgery (I want the DS instead of the RNY because I think it is more likely to put my diabetes into remission since I've been diabetic for 10 years.)

So I spent a while talking to their referral coordinator, and she told me that all I needed to do was write a letter outlining the CA Managed Care thing, the articles talking about why the DS is more appropriate for me than the RNY, and explain why I need to see Dr. Crookes instead of the regular bariatric surgeon who contracts with my IPA. She seemed very hopeful, and thought that I shouldn't have a problem!

Voila!

The power of the internet and sharing knowledge comes to bear on the cheapskate IPAs!

Thanks everyone for your help now let's write that letter and get the referral!

Hi there!

So happy to hear that things are starting to go smoothly for you! I wish you luck in the future and hope you get everything you want and more!!

oh thank you so much!!!!  What a sweetie. :)

By the way, I pasted the text from my letter into my blog if anyone is interested in reading it.  Even if it doesn't get the referral, I think it would be a good draft for an appeal letter. Any comments on it?

I chose RNY specifically because I wanted my diabetes gone.  It is gone and no longer do I have to worry about having it again.  Within my first month I was off all of my diabetes meds, plus high blood pressure meds.  I have been healthier than I have been in 50 years.  (no lie)  Good luck with whatever surgery you choose, because no matter what you have, it's a big step and a big surgery. Diane

I'm so pleased you found my post helpful and you are moving forward. I didn't realize you were electing to have the duodenal switch. Congratulations on making a such a sound choice. As you know the DS affords the very best long-term outcomes in both the amount of excess weight loss as well as keeping it off. I believe the other surgical treatment modalities are sadly very mu*****eeping with the diet mentality requiring one to be punished with a diet for life post-op. Regain long-term with those presents a very serious challenge for many if not most post-ops and in large part is why we are seeing SO MANY post-ops seeking REVISIONS to a DS. Getting in our proteins and supplements while somewhat  minimizing carbs offers a completely normal way of eating including being able to liberally drink with our meals. In short, we get to eat normally with portions sizes to match.

Unlike with the other surgical treatment modalities, the DS offers a permanent cure for Type 2 diabetes rather then being in a state of remission as long as one's post-op BMI and doesn't rise back to levels with too much regain and/ or their required dietary restrictions get ignored.  Indeed, in Europe, the intestinal switch part of the DS is being performed on intractable type 2 NON- OBESE diabetics as a permanent cure for their disease.

Good luck with your DS and congratulations again with your sound choice.

Rock