questions about ohsu

This is all new ive decided to move forward with WLS ...im signed up for seminar....what should i do in mean time to get ahead on process.....i dont have a primary doctor right now is that something i should do ....do you have to have medical records from md before ohsu will see you ?

No, I don't belive they have to have your medical records,  I had my surgery 8/22/06 and checked into OHSU, I went to their orientation, I had my surgery thru Kaiser Permanente.  It took me 18 months to jump thru all of their hoops, but it was worth it.  I'm not sure what OHSU charges for their surgeries, I've had several friends go thru their program. I see you are from Forest Grove.  I grew up out there.  Lived there 35 yrs.  Loved it. Good luck, Peggy

You should try to find a primary doctor who would also be responsible for some of your post-op care, such as labs.   As for medical records, that is something that should be discussed with the NP during the Q&A session at the seminar.

You will need a primary care doctor, as they will most likely need to write a letter in support of your surgery to OHSU.  I'm not sure if my insurance required that or OHSU required that.  At any rate, Vicki is right, you may need some follow up care close to home, so it's a good idea to establish a relationship with a doctor close by. Linda

Hi, I agree, I think you should find a primary care physician a.s.a.p. I know my doctor sent my records to OHSU. I am not sure if this was the insurance requirement or OHSU's either. You could start working on the other medical requirements sooner with your primary care. I needed a sleep study and c-pap machine. This was ordered by my primary care physician. Also they can be an advocate for helping you get the insurance approval. Good Luck!!! Also  heard the topic at OHSU's support group meeting on Tuesday Night this week will be very interesting...... I believe it is about relationships after WLS or something similar. I am going to try to go. Christina

i know that the records and letter to the insurance company has to come from you primary care physician. I do not know if OHSU requires it if you are planning on being a self pay patient. I do know that self-pay patients get through the system much faster than insurance. The kinds of tests you will have to take depends on your comorbidities (im not sure if that is spelled correctll). I, for example have not needed to have a sleep apnea test but did need an esophogeal motility test and acid test. I have noticed that others do not need that test. Finally the one ting that is seems everyone has to do is a psych evaluation. This test took by far the longest to arrange and get results sent in so I would recommend going after that one as soon as you can get a list of acceptable psychologists. I took this test last and it has been the biggest hold up (4 months altogether!)

Hello everyone, I am so glad I found this board! :) I am considering lapband surgery at OHSU and I'm scheduled for the March 10th introductory meeting. I've been reading through all of your posts and wanted to thank you for all the great information. I have to admit I am more than a little intimidated by the whole process, but I know this procedure will be a good thing. I have some questions for those who used insurance to help pay. Did anyone have Providence insurance as their primary? I've been told that there is NO WAY they will help with costs. Fortunately my father has said he will help me if I have to pay out of pocket....but I wanted to see if anyone had success with this insurance company. Any info/help is really appreciated at this point. Thanks again! Lucia (pdxgal)