referral question

I have an appointment with Dr. Peters on the 20th. The packet I received stated I had to bring a referral from my doctor or they would charge me $300.00 for the visit. The question: Is this an insurance referral or a prescription from my doctor to visit them? What did ya'll provide? Just curious for my insurance does not require a referral.

Hi Georgette, Most ( but not all ) insurances company's require a referral from your doctors office before you see a specialist like a surgeon. Just call your PCP's offfice and tell them you need a referral to see the doc and why you're going. This way you're sure you're covered for payment either way, even if your insurance company doesn't require one. Best of luck to you on your WLS journey! keep us posted on your progress. Linda

Hi Georgette, I have BCBS I didn't need a referral....but when in doubt call your Ins. customer service line. Good luck!

Georgette, I had the same question when I went. I called Dr. Iragu's (Dr. Peters) office and told them what kind of insurance I had and they told me I didn't need a referral. To be "extra" sure, I called the insurance company too and they also said no. Usually if you have a plan where you can freely go to a specialist of your choice, when you choose to...you should be OK. But I would call the insurance company to be sure. GOOD LUCK!!!!!! I think you will like Dr. Peters, I met him in the hospital when I had my surgery in August. He was very nice.