another test under my belt

This morning I went for my upper GI series. Glad I got that one over with. I was wondering....I have been reading some on the main board and I have seen where people are denied because they did not submit enough info from their PCP. They had already done the 6 months supervised diet. I think it had something to do with records of their weight from the past 2 years or something. Can anyone share anything on this? Also, my next test is probably going to be arterial blood gas. How is that test? Love...Gail

Hi Gail, I think you got the worst test over with, I hated the upper Gi that was some alfull stuff you have to drink.  I had myself all worked up for the Blood Gas test which I had done at GBMC and it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. GBMC has a great TEC don't get upset you will do fine. Bobbie (Barbara)

Hi Gail, Good job on getting another test out of the way.   As for the PCP thing...It took three tries for my PCP to get the correct info out.   I originally got a "recommendation" letter from him.   When I asked for the documentation on the 6 month supervised diet, he just wrote another letter.  One page with my weight loss numbers in it.   That did not fly.    While the insurance company did not deny it, they wanted more.    So I went back to him and asked for details.   So he sent another letter that was very simalar to the first but included dates.   This also did not fly. The last time I went back to him, for this, I asked him to just photocopy his notes from my visits.   He did and I submitted everything.   That worked. But... Then they wanted a 10 year diet history.   I did not have to have documentation.   They just wanted to see everything I had tried and what the results were.   I wrote it up and they were satisfied with that part of it. Hope that helps....

Helps a lot Dave..and all others! Guess I should prepare my PCP to get the info right....from the beginning.

LOL...you can always try!

But don't count on them getting it right.   My PCP had done it with about 6 or 7 other patients and it was still a struggle.  

Just play the game and do exactly what your insurance company wants.  

The only real advice I can give you is not to be afraid or embarrased to go back to your Dr's over and over until you get the right things.   Remember that you are doing this for you and you need to be persistent!

Good luck,

Hi Gail, So you think the taste of that upper GI liquid chalk was bad, just wait until your next trip to the bathroom...snicker tease...okay it wasn't that scary, but we nicknamed it the albino poop. I know....TMI. I'll be nice now. The blood suckers at GBMC are amazing. I am a hugely needlephobic and when she told me not to move I nearly went into panic mode. Problem was she was already done and I didn't have time to freak out. I immediately offered up a marriage proposal and free car repair for life, but both were declined. Can't offer any advice on the PCP other than be nice to the admins in the office. Really nice. Live strong, Mark

I don't believe my insurance requested any of that info.  You can always ask your insurance carrier if they require that.   Good luck with everything Gail!! I hope to see you soon. hugs,