PCP referral

Hi Friends, Alas..it is me again....I have Anthem Blue Cross..State Preferred and can see some MD"s for services without going to a primary...like I arranged for my colonoscopy myself and picked the doc without a referral...I do have a PCP...frankly I am not sure he will go along with my decision to have this surgery even though I am diabetic, take blood pressure meds and diabetes meds etc...might sound like a stupid question...but if the PCP will not refer...what then? Change PCP???Anyone recommend a Doc in support of this surgery? I had mentioned this surgery to him a long time ago and he stated that Docs want you to try everything first before you do this...maybe he did not realize that I HAVE tried for years...Weigh****chers...Diet Center....Jenny Craig...Medifast....Atkins...Onion Soup...."One Meal A Day"...Carbohydrate Addict Diet, South Beach Diet, Grapefruit Diet, "Self=Bribery Diet"...(New car if you lose 75lbs...etc..)...Diet pills including amphetamines and ephedra....I have lost the same 200 pounds three times at least in varying increments of loss and regain...heck..I ought to save part of this post for the Doc's interview!!! Can anyone answer and shed some light? Thanks..."Gabby Gert"

Hey Sherrill, I have a PPO that does not require me to get any referrals either but before I went to the information session for Dr. A, Lois told me it is best to get your PCP to write a referral or a letter stating that he or she approves of you having the surgery. Also if your PCP does not approve, then you need to get another one who will recommend you for surgery. Hope this helps.

With your medical history, I would recommend going to Dr. Robert Oberstein, an endo. at Hartford Multispecialty Group, 100 Retreat Ave. He has had several patients who have had the surgery (two in this household). He is fantastic with diabetics, and is esprienced with WLS as a viable option to extending lives. Peter

Thanks so much Peter!! I really appreciate this...I have often felt rushed by my own PCP who also belongs to the Hartford Multispecialty Group also, but the branch in Granby..picked it as a matter of convenience at the time more than anything else. I will check and see if he is taking on more patients in the morning. I really appreciate your feedback..thanks again for your time and helpful information. Sincerely, Sherrill

One of the main reasons that I changed my PCP was because my old PCP was not supportive of the surgery at all. All I can say is that I am so happy that I did. I absolutely love my PCP that I have now. I see him in the bloomfield office which really wouldn't be far for you. The telephone number there is 243-8709 in case you are interested. He is a really wonderful caring and thorough doctor. He does specialize in treating diabetes. Eileen

Hi Eileen, Thanks! Would you mind emailing me his name? I am open minded when it comes to seeking out alternatives as i am serious about doing this...a little scared also. I might add...if you can, you may email me privately at [email protected] appreciate it... Thanks for your time in responding to my post. Sher'

Hi Gert. Everyone has great ideas but I wouldn't underestimate your Doc. I would first go to your PCP and put it all out on the table for him. Especially if he has a history with you. Show him how you've educated yourself and come prepared with info for him in case he is not familiar with the procedures. He might surprise you. I didn't think mine would go for it either and thank goodness he had 1 other patient who had just had the surgery a few months before I came to him about it. I wish you luck. ~Julie~

Hey Gabby.... My surgeon requires a letter of referral from your PCP. I was in the same situation as you. My PCP wrote a two line memo (hand written) on a piece of scrap paper. I was appalled, however my endrocronologist wrote two excellent letters for me and I believe that did the trick. I am off to find a new PCP this year as even after surgery my PCP has been less than supportive. Talk with your other doctors as well as your PCP you may be suprised. Good Luck Linda