Aetna Managed Care POS - anyone?

I'm so confused - I've been reading so many profiles on here and it seems as though some of you had to get your referral from your PCP before you could go see a surgeon, yet others appear to have gone to a surgeon first and THEN back to the PCP. Should I just call Aetna and ask them the procedure, or is that asking for trouble? I reviewed their website and their requirements, but I'm just wondering how others seem to have done it "in reverse". Can I expect that a "good" surgeon will handle the insurance approval for me? I'm in Somerset County, NJ and I'm considering Dr. Mehta and possibly a few others. Thanks in advance!

Christine: I will try to answer both questions. I have Aetna and as I understand it you need a referral from your PCP first in order to see the surgeon. You can get this after you make your appointment with the surgeon. As far as recommending a surgeon, I would recomment my surgeon, Dr. Jordan Garrison. He works out of St. Michael's in Newark and St. Clair's in Denville. He is very good and he is in the Aetna network so only co-pays apply. Hope this helps you. Feel free to contact me if you have further questions or you can contact his office in Newark and speak to his office manager Donna (she also had the surgery, in fact she gave me her original surgery date) at 973-877-5059. She'll be happy to explain everything for you. Best of everything, Jesse

Christine, I live in Somerset County in Hillsborough and met Dr. Mehta - I have found another surgeon he is located in West Orange but is very well worth the trip. His name is Dr. Nusbaum and his phone number is 973-325-9779. Call and ask for Wanda she is the Bariatric coordinator and she can tell you if he accepts your insurance and what you need to do. He is absolutely wonderful and I am having surgery 4-15-04 after only having a consultation in February. Good luck and keep me posted on your journey. Debra Shapiro