PCP - Letter of Support Question

Hi - My PCP is not familiar with WLS and she is leary of what she needs to provide. Basically, she wants information from the surgeon on what she need to give. She doesn't know what the letter is supposed to entail. I have BCBS - PPO and was told that the letter just needs to include: 1. how long I have been in her care. 2. what different diets I have tried and failed. 3. any weight related medical conditions. 4 "medical necissity" How can I make this easier for her and myself. I have only been in her care for a month or so and don't have any co-morbidities (thank God) yet. What should I do? Write the letter and have her put it on her letter head? Does any one have any suggestions on this. Thanks - Steph

You may want to check with your surgeon's office. My surgeon provided a copy of a sample letter that stated exactly what needed to be in the letter. My PCP wouldn't give me a letter of support because he was not very supportive and so I didn't have one. We just worked around it. We ended up having to run a few extra tests but everything turned out fine. Best of Luck. Stacey B

The other thing that I would suggest is sending in pictures. We took a front and side view picture of me and I gave it to the surgeons office to send in with my paperwork. It is one thing to read a letter stating your height and weight but to actually see what someone looks like is another thing. I think this helped me to get approved. Stacey B

I also have BCBS PPO and this is a copy of the letter my pcp wrote. It was all that I needed for my surgery to be approved! I also did not have any real co morbidities but the things I did have were included. I hope this helps you. TO Whom it MAy Concern: I have been Jennifer E's primary care physician since January 2000. She has suffered with obesity since the age of 14. She has been on several different diets for 12 consecuitive months at a time and she herself stating she has been on a diet her whole adult life. All her attempts have been without long term successful results. She is also under my care for asthma, stress incontinence, back and joint pain. Her current weight is 355, height 66inches and BMI 57.36. I have discussed bariatric surgical procedures and risk involved with her at length. She understands and will comply with post-surgical requirements. I recommend her to undergo bariatric surgical procedure and feel it is medically necessary for her morbid obesity. If you need any further information regarding Jennifer E please contact my office. Sincerely, S J. T, M.D. Jennifer 355/223/150

Thank you! This is a great help.