Kaiser Permanente in Georgia

I have Kaiser Permanente.  While I know they won't cover WLS for me on my plan, I know they do cover it for some people, so there must be WLS-experieced Kaiser PCPs out there.

My PCP is nice and said he would help in any way he can, but I would like to change to a PCP who deals with bariatric patients FREQUENTLY and is used to the required tests, complications, follow-up, etc.

Anyone out there with Kaiser who can recommend a great PCP?  I live in Cobb County and would prefer to stay close to home (Cumberland, Kennesaw, Powder Springs), but a few Fulton locations (Glenlake, Midtown) aren't too bad of a drive.

Thanks!

Hello Laura,
My name is Jeannie and I'm a support group leader. I have some of my members that has used the one south of Atlanta and they have had the surgery after going to serveral support meetings and getting all the requirements done. I have one that just had his surgery yesterday and is doing well. When he comes back I will find out who his PCP was and what all he had to do. I'm sorry that I'm not much help at this point. All I know is that they call me and set up all the time for them to attend support meeting before WLS. I'm 2.5 years post opp from RNY July 2006.

Hug's
Jeannie

Jeannie -

Yes, I'd be interested if he has a good PCP.  I think the one I have now would help me any way that he can, but I might be better off with one with more bariatric experience.

Thanks for your help!

--  Laura
 

I also have Kaiser but my possible surgery is covered under my plan (federal employee). I am having difficulty with my PCP also. I discussed WLS with my PCP, so she referred me to an endocrinologist. But, she referred me to an external endocrinologist when I should have been referred to an internal endocrinologist to begin the bariatric surgery process. I wasted $60 worth of copays and 3 office visits that I had to take time off from work to go to, just to have to start over. But, I am on track now. I have just started the process, and the correct endocrinologist and nutritionist gave me some helpful info explaining the process. If you want the info, just let me know. But, I'm also looking for a PCP that knows about the process and aftercare.

My PCP actually referred me to an endocrinologist over at Cumberland.  When I went there, she said that I didn't need to see her since I was self-pay for WLS.  (I don't have any hormonal issues that I know of.)  I believe her role -- if I had insurance for WLS -- would have been to do some testing and be a record-keeper as far as documenting everything needed for surgery.  She refunded my co-pay.

Thanks for the offer for the info from the endocrinologist, but I don't believe it would apply to me since I won't be going through Kaiser's process.  Once I meet with the surgeon, though, I may find out otherwise and contact you. 

If/when I find out any info about PCPs, I'll post it here.  (And Jeannie said she'd help too!)

Best of luck in your journey!

-- Laura

hey misscrys, i live in marietta and I go to kaiser in cumberland. like you I'm a federal employee. On the 27th I'm gonna meet with my pcp to discuss of me having wls. Could you please help me with the steps I need to take so I won't waste valuable time & money, I would truly appreciate it. Like do I just go in there and tell my dr. that I want a recommendation for wls & tell her my whole life story of not being able to lose weight etc...

Jen