New from Nashville, PCP?

I'm from Nashville, currently I see Dr Toby Smith for primary care...I have not brought up the topic of WLS. Does anyone know him or his policy on WLS? If not can someone suggest a PCC near Vandy or Centennial that is good and supportive of wls? I have Federal BC BS, and I understand they approve at those two centers. Also does anyone have opinions on which center is better? What about waiting lists at the centers. Any idea which might be a shorter wait?

Good Morning Angela!   From personal experience, I would try Centennial.  I love the staff there and the Dr's are fantastic.  The staff walks you trough each step, the first one being the seminar.  Vandy, I have heard from the boards, is not as caring about their patients.  I'm sure the Dr's are great but the staff in the offices lack a little something.  THis I have gathered just from reading the boards.  Good luck in your journey. Beth

Hello Angela!  Welcome to the board! I had surgery at Vandy but my PCP is at skyline. You may want to ask or PM Susan Jones, she has told me about her PCP and has rave reviews about him, I believe Elena also uses the same doctor, and believe he is at Baptist if I'm not mistaken, and have heard her say good things as well. Best of luck to you!!!

Hi Angela, I too have heard some awful things about the staff at Vandy.  Especially after surgery.  But great reviews about Centennial.  Just come out and ask your PCP if they suppost the surgery.  You will need to have a letter of "Medical Necessity" from your Dr. for the surgeon to submit to your insurance.  I would also check with your insurance on their requirements.  You may find you have to do a 6 month Dr. Supervised diet, weigh-in monthly, and an excersize program.  Be sure that you get all medical records from all your Dr.'s, plus a letter from them as well.  That helps grease the wheels for the insurance to approve the surgery.  If you receive a denial right off the bat, don't get discouraged, BC/BS are known to do that.  If you have any comorbilities, such as sleep apnea, heart, lungs, gastro problems, get the testing up dated, and get a copy of the report to give to the surgeon.  The more you can collect, the better chances you will have.   I pray everything will go smoothly for you.  Regarding the denials, their computers spit those out automatically, just call and ask why and what else they need to get approved.  I know one a year ago had that type of insurance, she received a denial in the mail, and was approved when she called.  The PCP that supports the surgery will put you on the diet, and make sure each month you are weighed-in, that it's recorded on your chart.   You can do this, we have, and more are having it then ever.  May God travel with you on this journey.  Kathy

The Frist Clinic doctors are WLS friendly. Their website is: http://www.thefristclinic.com/

Thanks to everyone for your replies! I think I will try to get an appointment at the Frist Clinic, I used to have a provider there (Anthony Williams, I don't see him on the list anymore it was in the late 90's) prior to my joining the Army, so as a bonus they should have records of me getting sleep studies, and trying weight loss programs if they hold records that long.

I made an appointment to see Dr Crystal Clamp at the Frist Clinic. Does anyone know her at all?

If you are looking for a new PCP who is WLS friendly, I do strongly recommend Dr. Robert Neaderthal. He is in the 20th Avenue Bldg which is right across the street from the Baptist Emergency Room. I was his first patient to have WLS but he has a cousin who had the surgery several years ago. He now has a number of patients who have had, or are in the process of getting approval for, WLS. He has studied and continues to research aftercare for WLS patients. I think you would find him to be very easy to talk to. He takes the time to not only listen to your questions and concerns, but he also talks to you in laymens terms and makes sure you understand what is going on with your own care. When I had reached the point in my research where I was ready to get his opinion, I wasn't quite sure how to bring it up. He actually mentioned it before I could. After I told him I had attended 3 seminars and was getting discouraged about finding a surgeon, he recommended the surgeon I wound up going with at Baptist. You have to find the surgeon and program that is right for you. You are going to be seeing this surgeon for the rest of your life and it is important that you pick the right one for you. I am sure that Federal BCBS also approves for Baptist because I know of several Baptist patients with this insurance. Baptist too is a Center Of Excellence. Check all of your options before making your decision. You can attend as many seminars as you want to help you make your decision. Good luck and welcome to the Tennessee Forum!!

I highly recommend Dr. Lisa Miller. She is my pcp and I've been seeing her for about 5 years.  She was completely supportive and went to bat for me getting the gastric bypass. She treats you as a person, and not as a paitent.  She's absolutely excellent and will do what ever she can to help in you getting the surgery.  If you want her number, PM me and I'll give it to you. 

Because I have a new member statue and my posts have to be approved, it sort of makes my conversation seem disjointed.  ;)  but I want to thank everyone for the great advice.