Question for anyone with BCN?

Does your surgeon have to be affiliated with the same hospital as your PCP? In other words, if my PCP is with Providence (St. John's Network), do I have to see a surgeon at St. John's?

Hi Colleen, long time no see. I do believe that your PCP has to authorize an out of network doctor for surgery, this could be tough though. When I was looking for a doctor, I called CORI and then called my PCP who said they could only do a Beaumont doctor since that is who he is affiliated with. Check with your PCP's office and see what they say. Glad your back on the boards!! Take care. Licia

Hi Licia...Ive been lurking here and there. I just haven't had anything to post. What made me ask this question is Stacy's post about BCN centers of excellence. They only list Henry Ford and Harper in my area, but what if my PCP is not affiliated with either? Id rather not have to go downtown for regular medical care if I don't have to, but I would be forced to if PCP has to be affiliated with one of these hospitals in order to even get a referral.

Hi Colleen, Good to see you on! I know this is from the HAP perspective, but my PCP works through McLaren Hospital in Flint, (and she accepts HAP), however, when I got my approval from HAP I know it was stated that they ..(HAP) needed me to go through one of their hospitals..which was HFH. I don't know if it has as much to do with your PCP as with your insurance. I think your PCP can refer you to where you want, but you insurance will dictate where you would need to have the surgery. Have you called BCN and asked them which hospitals they approve for WLS? Blessings, Kim

Hi Colleen. My PCP is affiliated with Bon Secours, but I had my surgery at Harper. No problems...only cost was phone and tv. Good Luck. Diane

Hello! This is Stacey....I just wanted to drop a line about the Centers of Excellence for BCN. The only places we are allowed to have the surgery are the hospitals that have enrolled and been accepted in the Centers of Excellence program. I also do not want to have to go downtown for surgery but if I don't get approved with my current surgeon I am going to have to switch to a Center of Excellence facility. BCN doesn't care who your PCP is or who they are affiliated with. They just want us to have the surgery at one of the six hospitals listed.