I need to vent!

Hi All,

Normally this is not like me, but I am just so frustrated, I'm not sure what to do!  I have jumped through all the required hoops--counseling/nutritionist, weight loss documentation, etc.  The problem is my PCP office!  I have been more than patiently waiting for my doc to write my letter for the insurance company to be approved.  I ran into a gal from high school who had the surgery and we have the same insurance.  Thankfully she gave me a copy of her letter from her doc that went to the insurance for approval--happened within a few days.  I even went so far as typed up a personalized letter myself and left places where they could "fill in the blanks."  It's been well over a month and the letter is still not done.  In the beginning, I called 1x week.  Now I have been either calling/going over there every day or every other day to see if it's done!  The nurse did apologize to me and told me it was her fault that it is not done.  (well, duh)  I'm not interested in placing blame or hearing about why it's not done, the issue is that I need that letter!  Without it obviously I can't proceed.  I'm almost starting to think my doc's office for some reason is against me having the surgery--not really, but some days I feel like it?  I have griped and complained and even been in tears to them, but to no avail.  I am so frustrated because I have some major life decisions ahead of me in the next couple of months (not just WLS) and I would really like to have this surgery done to to have a better quality of life.  
My thought is that I could threaten to change doctors, however the office is so busy, I hardly doubt my leaving would hurt the business.  If I do change docs in the middle of the process, I would be faced with starting all over again with the documentation from a pcp.  I have gone to my doc for 10 years!  I don't think I can put this surgery off any longer, hence my life2live username.
I'm not really sure what I'm looking for at this point--I'm just feeling really low about this and that a better life feel unattainable.  I know that I've done everything I can at this point to get the surgery.  At this point,  I am sad/irritated/frustrated/bewildered/ that this is so far out of my reach!      
I do believe that things happen for a reason and all in God's timing....blah blah blah!!!! lol  I know i'm not being unreasonable with this and just needed to get a few things out!  Thanks for listening!  
Christina
  
  

I certainly understand your frustration.  I would suggest you just keep calling and dropping by .....they know how to make you stop lol.  Keep your chin up and hang in there.

Jeannie

Jeannie,
Thank you for validating my feelings!  I definitely intend to keep bugging them!  Christina

I would keep on them every waking moment if it means as much to you as it did me! Actually I would change doctors! They have had enough time to write the letter and hand deliver it as well! You should be able to get the documentation from the doctor now to take to your new doctor! If you have somethings that will be going on soon and need to get it done right away I would change doctors. They think that they can take all the time in the world because you are letting them so far. I do believe that things happen for a reason but I also believe that you are in control of your own destiny! Get off your butt and get a new doctor or you may never get it done. If for no reason than being frustrated! Michelle

Christina,

Does your doctor know that the office staff is dragging their heels?  My PCP's office was pulling the same trick on me.  In fact I had faxed a copy of the required letter to them as a sample and when I went to get it was told my the girl at the desk "We don't do faxes, I just throw them away".  I had an appointment with my doctor and told him about it.  He was livid.  Went to the office manager himself and I had a letter by the end of the day.  Not sure if this helps.  Just my experience.  Good luck hon.

Julie

I agree with Jules!!! Make an appointment and see your DR Personally tell him what has been done and said. tell him how this is causing extreme empotional distress because of his uncareing staff.... He really doesnt want word getting around that he seems like he doesnt care.. and his staff want to hide this bad cuctomer service from him... he probably thinks everything is hunky dory..
Linda Kay