Advice on asking PCP for referral?

Can anyone give me advice on asking my PCP for a referal to a Bariatric program? My PCP has never even been terribly interested in my weight problem except to note that it remains somewhat stable year to year. (BMI 42.1) Thanks, Carolyn

Hi Carolyn I would just ask him what he/she thinks about the gastric bypass? Tell him you are interested in it and would like to go and learn about it. I dont believe you need a referral. I live in Lowell and went to Saints Memorial Medical Center and they have a program and I just had to attend the information meeting. Then if you do decide that this is what you want to do then throughout your treatment and tests then I think that is when you need refferals. I am having my surgery on the 6th of February and I am so excited. Saints program is wonderful and their staff is out of this world. Let me know if I can be of anymore help. Good Luck

Actually, I already checked with my insurance (Harvard Pilgrim) and I do need a referral. I'm guessing my PCP will be ok, she's always given me whatever referral I requested in the past, it's just hard. Good luck with your surgery!!

Carolyn, If you show your doc you are convinced in your want for surgery..and your #s support it...I'm sure she'll be in agreement. Not to sound analytical....if your PC is a PC is a Partner's doc, and you go to NW..a Partner's hospital there shouldn't be any ruffles. Remember...no one walks into the emergency room looking for a RNY or lap band. This is all cash paid or insurance paid surgery. A cash cow to the hospital. Translate...if your #s support it...and your insurance or wallet pays for it...you'll get your surgery. Best to you. Joan

Actually, my PCP is in the UMass system, but I'm not comfortable doing this there. I will probably ask for a referral to NW. My numbers can be borderline. Depending on where I am on my latest diet, my weight bounces from 215-240 (BMI 39.3 - 43.9). Lately I've been around 230 (BMI 42.1), but I've been sick for the past week or so and have lost some weight bringing me down to 225 (41.1). Can you believe I'm actually worried about losing too much weight before I get the referral? I think I've officially lost my mind...

Hello! Just wanted to throw this out there - it is NOT up to your PCP as to whether you CAN get this surgery done. Whether he/she agrees with it or not, if you make the request for the referral from what I understand they cannot turn you down. If you meet the requirements for the surgery they will write the referral. No need to worry about how to suggest this to them....you are THEIR patient and are concerned about your health. Believe me, these PCP's are not making the $ they used to and you are part of their livelihood. (just a view from the inside - hubby is a physician - a sub, sub-specialist)

Thank you for your replies. I applied online for the NW program and they called me yesterday to make an appt. So I guess I better get that referral now! Thanks, Carolyn

Update: My PCP was fantastic and gave me an immediate referral. Carolyn