Looking for Primary care physician

Primary care physician I was wondering if any one could tell me of a good PCP anywhere in the Denver area? My insurance, is now requiring the 2 - 6 month physician recorded weightless plans, but I am having a hard time finding a doctor who will work with me. I had my consultation with Dr. Snyder office almost a year ago, I had ask for their help then. Needless to say I got no where. I did lose hope and gave up, and now added another 15 pounds on. So know I am taking control myself and asking any one of a PCP. I really don't understand...I mean if I do the plan they suggest and lose the weight I will be happy and not put myself through surgery..duh. But all other the years I have tried to lose the weight, but it was not recorded. Anyway any suggestion of a good doctor, who is willing to focus on weight loss who be greatly appreciated.

I don't know what kind of insurance you have, or how far you are willing to travel, but I will heartily recommend my PCP. I have Cigna PPO, and I use a Doctor on Arapahoe Rd. and Jordyn Rd. (I think it is Parker, but could be Centenial) you can look it up on mapquest.com if you want to see the exact location. The Doctor is John Willard MD DO, but I see a physician's assistant in his office. Her name is Debra Smith, and she has been SSSSOOOOOO wonderful with me. I had been seeing her for a while when I first asked her for a referral to Dr. Jonell in Greeley. She said it sounded like I had really done some homework, and took care of it right away. I started seeing her monthly as soon as I got the first denial. She agreed to do monthly weigh-ins, and to help medically manage and monitor my co-morbidities and medications. Every month I went to see her, and she carefully recorded every ache, pain, pill, symptom etc. that I reported. She referred me to other specialists for things I still struggled with (this costs Cigna too) and at every step supplied me with other next steps to show that I was doing everything in my power. My weight did not change one ounce the entire year that I was dieting for Cigna, and she never complained or criticized or commented in my file that I was not complying perfectly. As a matter of fact, she completely agreeed that it would be worse for my health to yo-yo again just to meet an insurance requirement. When I was given a time for my second appeal, I called the office and asked for copies of Debra's notes, and when I stopped by they had the entire file - all the years I had seen Debra, and every note, test, labwork, and statistic - ready to go. I seriously believe it was her documentation that made the panel decide to grant me the appeal. I can't say enough good about her, and I've recommended her to many other people - not just for weightloss support, but as a PCP in general. I realize she is "only" a PA and not an MD, but she is wonderful. However, when I asked if she could write me a letter about why I should have the Lap-band instead of an RNY, she consulted with the Doc - Willard - and he said no. It sounded like a response straight out of an insurance promo against all weight loss surgery, so he would not be the one to go to. Debra continues to support me, and is looking for other ways to show Cigna that I am doing everything and still need the help of a weight loss surgery. I know Longmont is far, but maybe Debra can help you. Good luck either way... -Dorothy in Denver

Thank you, It never dawned on me that I could get help, from a PA, All though it would be ideal to find a supportive Doctor, I am at whit's end in doing that. Is Dr. Willard, helping in getting insurance approval? I am willing to travel, any where...The only limit I have is that they are in Colorado HA HA Thank you.

Hi there - I'm so sorry for all of the frustration you must have experienced over the last months. Here's the thing: We forget sometimes that doctors work FOR us. Make an appointment with ANY doctor. Your regular one is fine, even though he or she is an idiot. Tell them to weigh you, suggest a healthy diet and exercise program. Document it. TELL the Dr. to put it in your records. If they won't- jot it down and have them sign off on it. Write down the nurse's name as a witness if you have to. Before you leave, make an appointment for the next month. You are NOT at their mercy, they are at yours. When they walk into the exam room, tell them what you want. Exactly what you want. If they don't comply, go to your insurance company and tell them so -- or tell the Dr. that you are suprised, because he or she is on the insurance company's list, and that you will report this to the insurance company. If you Dr. has the audacity to not cooperate, ask for documentation of that - like a letter. Or, when you leave, write THEM a letter confirming what they would not do. THAT is your documentation. I don't think you will get there. Next appointment: weigh in. There, you have a month of physician supervised dieting. Repeat as needed. The insurance companies ask for this as if it is a common practice. Really what it is is stupid. It doesn't work. Who goes to the Dr. to supervise a diet???? On that note, if you have EVER discussed or commented on your weight issues to a Dr (Don't forget your ob/gyn), call or write and ask them for a letter indicating that you have consulted them regarding your weight and other health issues. Finally, there are a few physician-supervised programs that you may not think of right away. I went to Jenny Craig, for instance, and their program is advised medically by a board of dr.s. That may count. Listen, I know this is a pain in the ass. And we just seem to take it, because we are used to being humiliated and disrespected, so we just think that must be ok. Its not. This is your health, your life. Go make it happen! Christi

Thank you, Your right my husband tell me the same thing. I need to get a back bone and stand up for my self. I guess I spend so much of my life being quite in hopes not to draw attention to myself, that I forgot I have the right to speak up about my health care. Thank you very much. Tina