Going to PCP tomorrow HELP!

I go to my PCP tomorrow at 2:30 and I have typed up a letter for him to sign if he will I am copying and pasting it here for you to read and let me know if it covers everything important or should I rewrite it or just take it and tell him I need something for him to write that would be like this....thanks for any feedback. I feel like I have waited so long just for this appt and I want it to go good so I can finally get my appt with the surgeon. Here is the letter I have prepared to take with me.... To Whom It May Concern: I have been Patrice Vicory's primary care physician since ______. She has suffered with obesity since the age of 8. She has tried several medically supervised weight loss regimens including Low Fat diet through the Diabetic Prevention Program Study. She was part of this study since 1997 to present. She has also tried exercise programs including cardio, weight lifting and water aerobics, all with unsuccessful results. Patrice Vicory's obesity has caused or worsened hypertension (401.9), Type 2 Diabetes (250.0), Osteoarthritis (715.9), Degenerative Disk Disease (722.6), Degenerative Joint Disease (715.9). She also has high triglycerides and Chronic Bronchitis (491.20), Lower back pain (724.5), Depression and Anxiety (300.4). Not only will these conditions shorten her life span but they will also result in expensive insurance treatments. Her current weight is 303 pounds, her height is 5 ft. 6 in., and her BMI is 48.9. I have discussed bariatric surgical procedures and risks involved with her at length. She understands and will comply with post-surgical requirements. I recommend she undergo BPD/DS Gastric Bypass with Dr. Margaret Inman of St. Vincent's Carmel Bariatric Hospital. I feel this is a medically necessary procedure for her morbid obesity (278.00). If you need any further information, plese do not hesitate to contact me at 317-554-4600 Sincerely,

I could be wrong, but I want to let you know that your insurance company is going to want to have month by month documantation of dietian and weight records for each month. I don't see many any more that will look around it. Mine had me go 18 and I could not skip one month. Some only make you go 6 months but depends on insurance. I am only telling you this now so you can get this done now. And not have to wait two months to hear from insurance company and then you lost the two months. Like I said I could be wrong, but I just don't want you to be disapointed. The letter looks great other then that. I am not try to be a party pooper, but just don't want you to waste time when you can be seeing a deitian now this is one of the big things they really look at. They want to know you want to try to lose and try to stick with it. If you lose some that is ok but if you don't no big deal it is showing you are doing what they ask it is better if you can lose. I hope you luck, don't give up I didn't and it took me almost 2 years to get my surgery approved. Lisa B

Thanks for your feedback Lisa. I know you are right and I might have to have the 6 month documentation. I will also talk to doctor about that tomorrow as well. Hugs, Trish

Sorry about the double take, don't know what happend that has never happend to me before. I might be a blond but I know my computer isn't. LOL Lisa B

Patrice, As of July 1st, 2006, Indiana State law states that insurance carriers are allowed to require at a maximum of 6 month pcp supervised weight loss attempt. However, the law does not become effective until the insurance carrier renews their contract with the insured's employer. So...If contracts are renewed every January, an insurance company can require 18 months (or however long they required pre-July 1st). As of January however, they would only be allowed to require 6 months. My advise would be for you to get on the phone to your insurance before you go see your pcp. Ask them specifically what is required, what documentation is needed, and for what duration. That way, you will be having your pcp fill out the correct information to begin with. Sherri

Patrice, Mediare does not require any kind of diet before surgery. They also don't pre-approve so you don't have to submit any letters to them. If your surgeon says you qualify, you qualify. That should take some pressure off of you. Jeanie

Patrice, very cool to see another Vicory! You don't see too many of us, spelled this way, atleast. Good luck with getting your approval. Do you like Dr. Inman? I have an information session/consultation with her for August 21st. Linda Vicory