Having trouble finding surgeon
As it is a HMO you have to go to a person in the network. Save yourself lots of time and just
call the customer service number on your insurance card. Ask them for the nearest CME for
bariatric surgery on your plan. I goofed and went to somebody local, and he didn't tell me he
wasn't on my plan, kept me going months meeting all his requirements, just to find out 4 months later, when they submitted, that he wasn't covered and I had to go to an out of town CME (center of medical expertise). All I should have done was make that call, and I wouldn't be waiting 6 months later for a surgery date which will probably be months away once I finally get it. Good luck. I know the waiting will be worth it in the end, but it sure would have been nice not to get jerked around all this time. Fern
Hi,
With most HMO's I believe that you need to be refered to a surgeon by your primary care physician. I don't think you can self refer with an HMO like you can with a PPO... I might be wrong but I have had HMO plans before and you always had to get a referal from your primary care to any other specialty in order for the insurance to pay for anything. Just my thoughts.... in any case.. call your plan or ask your primary care doctor for a referal to someone in your HMO network.
Dona