PRH Program People?

Hello Fellow PRH People,  I need a "letter of support" from my PCP.  Can you tell me just what that means?  I think it ought to mean a letter saying she supports my having WLS and will provide medical support as my PCP in my post-op life.  My PCP is afraid she has to include a detailed history of all I have done to try to lose weight and so on.  I hate to waste her time on that since all that history has been complield by the bariatric coordinator.  Just wondering if you know.  Thanks - Treading

i would call Nancy she knows about what insurance you have and what they want if it is for insurance reasons.... if it is just for the baratric program, it just has to be short and sweet saying she is on board... FYI.......... mine was just for DR gens

Hmm.. I don't know what that means. Can you ask Nancy to clarify what information should be *in* the letter?

Thanks Folks,     I guess it must be the short and sweet version  cuz Nancy bumped me over to Gens' office but I haven't heard back as yet.  It just threw me cuz I was told to get a letter of support but when I ask what that includes I get a "I'll have to ask".  No biggie.  Treading. 

Hi again Treading,

I wanted to let you know that I'm going to dig into this question for you and I will get back to you ASAP since this is an issue that could affect a lot of people now and going forward!

Also, I wanted to update everyone on SB 312, the surgical weight loss insurance mandate bill that passed the House and the Senate last month.  The bill should be arriving on Gov. Lynch's desk any time, so there's still time to write him an email urging him to sign the bill into law.  Here's a link to his email:

http://www4.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp

Best regards,
Grant Sanborn
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
www.portsmouthhospital.com
Parkland Medical Center
www.parklandmedicalcenter.com

Thanks Grant, ]    Appreciate the help.  Nancy was right on top of it and got my request over to Gens' office real quick.  I'll be interested to know the answer because I have read many references to these letters and there is a big difference between saying you are, as a PCP,  supportive and prepared to help a patient with WLS AND providing a history to justify WLS for insurance approval puposes.  They aren't the same letter so I want to get it right the first time.    Great news about the legislation and I have done my part and contacted all my reps and senators already.  Thanks again, Grant.  Treading

Hi,

I spoke to Dr. Gens today and he told me the letter can be short and sweet -- to the effect that "As XXX's PCP, I support their decision to embark on this program."  It doesn't need to include history, etc. He even said it can be just one line!  The intent of the letter is this:  Because the program is so team-oriented and they want you to succeed, knowing that your PCP supports you in this life-changing process is important.  Hope this answers your question!

Best regards,

Grant Sanborn
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
www.portsmouthhospital.com
Parkland Medical Center
www.parklandmedicalcenter.com

Wow, that is so great to hear! Treading,  was this for insurance or just something new people needed in their arsenal for the program? Thanks!

Simple enough!  And thanks, Grant.  I also heard back from Nancy and Gail so I am all set.  Phew!  That saves us a good deal of time.  Woohoo - moving right along.  Treading