Primary Care Physician Suggestions?

I am new to this board, and am a Kaiser patient.  My doctor referred me for WLS but they have a wait list of 18 months to get into the program.  I'm changing my health insurance during open enrollment next month to HMSA.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a primary care physician who could make a referral for WLS?

Thank you!

wow 18 months to get on the plan??  I'm interested in what suggestions for a PCP you find.  I'm new to Oahu and need one myself. 

Thanks Debbie

Kaiser has a very long intense bariatric program...they dont want to pay big bucks for ppl who are not going to stick to their program so they make their patients go thru a vigorous time consuming program to make sure they are committed.....but Im glad i have HMSA....much better i think.  HMSA patients are just as committed too.  Anways i dont know of any PCP's on Oahu, only Maui..sorry! Good luck!

Sorry, no suggestions here either. I am on Maui as well. I just wanted to welcome you, Pikala, and HulaDebby to the message board! I hope we can help in other ways down the road.

(I agree..... 18 months waiting is a VERY long time for an impatient person like me. I don't think I could have waited that long to get into a program. Probably another reason why I went the self-pay route.)

E Komo Mai!!!

Thank you all for your help and support.  Maybe someone else will know of someone, and thanks for the welcome.  I have been reading about some of your journeys and I really appreciate the time you all have taken to tell your stories.  For someone who is just beginning this process -- it's been great to read some real stories!

Thank you!

So true, Pikala. When I first started looking in to WLS, I couldn't read enough! I spent hours on end reading patient stories, reading message boards, and I can't tell you how many "Before & After" pictures I have viewed!!! It was all in preparation of the most wonderful journey I have ever taken. I am just past my halfway mark and still in awe of this wonderful tool that is helping me become me again.

Please don't ever hesitate to as a question or private message anyone if you're not comfortable posting to a public message board. There isn't one person who wouldn't be glad to help you.... myself included.

By the way.... you may be able to search the HMSA website for doctors in your area. Worth a try if you're headed in that direction.

Stay well!

If you are really interested in WLS first see what surgeon you are going to go with.  HMSA will only pay for three surgeons I know one is at Queens, Castle (I am seeing Dr. Fowler) and Dr. L I don't know that doctors name or clinic.  Dr. C cost a bit more however I heard he is really good too in SF.

Dr. Fowler is in Kailua you could go to his seminar.  I think it is the first Wed. of the month you should sign up.  You could always ask him was PCP he can recommend for you.  I don't know where you live but most people like to get PCP's close to home or close to work.

I live in Kaneohe and if you live close by I would love to share my PCP he is really nice.

Asia

Excellent suggestions, Nahea!

Thank you Asia.  I have already been to Dr. Fowler's seminar and they said they couldn't really recommend a PCP as they work with many doctors.  I would either use him or Dr. C.  I'm still looking at both of them.   I live in Kailua so it would be great if you were willing to share your PCP with me.  I could make an appointment with him to get a referral (hopefully!)  I've been in the Kaiser system for so long (years) I have no idea where else to go!

I have a great PCP in Kaneohe and he was really supportive of the weight loss surgery.  If you would like to know anymore info or his name let me know and I will get it to you.  Good Luck and welcome to the board.