Question:
Should I change PCPs?
I saw my PCP yesterday for the initial appt. regarding WLS. He went on and on about how its too drastic for me, I should try other ways to lose weight, etc. but in the end he begrudgingly said he would refer me. Now, however, I'm wondering if perhaps I should try to find a different PCP who is more knowledgeable and supportive of WLS. Could it all come down to me being approved or not, based on the referral letter my PCP sends? If he isn't supportive of the surgery for me, I can't see him writing a wonderful letter about how I should have this done. Sheesh, just as I thought I managed to jump over yesterday's hurdle I realize this! Any suggestions?? Thanks. — Samantha S. (posted on April 3, 2002)
April 3, 2002
My PCP didn't write a letter to my insurance company at all, my surgeon
(and I) did. I do think you need to switch PCPs though (regardless of the
LOMN issue). You really need someone who is going to be supportive and
willing to help you with your aftercare. I am scheduled to go see a new
PCP next week and I am very nervous about it, because you never know how
they will react to WLS. I am far away from my surgeon, so it is especially
important that I find someone supportive and willing to communicate with my
surgeon. Don't settle for half-*ssed medical care! :) Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
April 3, 2002
If you don't feel this provider has your best interest and future health in
mind then I suggest you tell him see ya.
You have every right to do this and finding a PCP that is supportive is
most important. My PCP had suggested other weight loss methods too. But I
just let her know, Been there done that.
— Lesa Y.
April 3, 2002
I have had WLS and I think that it is the best thing I ever did. That being
said maybe your Dr. has a different insight into your condition. He knows
your BMI,co-morbidities,health etc. I would go to another Dr. and ask his
opinion (if you like the first Dr) before I changed. We all have our own
ideas here but we are not professionals. Please check with a
Dr.-----------Good Luck
— Robert L.
April 3, 2002
If your otherwise happy with your PCP I would stick with them! If you need
a letter from them demand to see it before they send it on to insurance.
Just to make sure its OK. Then have surgery, do well and convince the doc
surgery WORKS. You can save another MOs life. Seeing yu do well will
convince them to suggest it to otrher MOs.
— bob-haller
April 3, 2002
As someone who has worked with a lot of diabetic support groups, I've
learned and advised many that finding a new PCP is much easier than finding
a new hairdresser---you don't need to wait for a bad hair cut to grow out
before scheduling the next appointment. :=)
— Sue F.
April 4, 2002
I went to my PCP and my OBGYN to get a referral. my PCP wouldn't give me
one cause she didn't know anything about the surgeon I wanted to go to, so
I tryed my OBGYN and she told me that she will have to think about it and
it will take a coupel of days 2 weeks later and me calling the office I
still have not heard from them so I found a PCP that advertized in the
paper that she did diet theropy so I made an appt. with her and she had no
problem giving me one. You should find out if they need a letter or if they
could just give you a Rx for bypass surgery that is all my surgeon said I
needed for a referral. I also have a low BMI but I am 100 lbs over weight
and should have no problem geting approved. Good luck on getting one it
took me almost a month to get a referral and now I have to wait another
month to see the surgeon.
— Jordyn S.
April 4, 2002
Samantha,
Typically it is not the PCP that writes the letter to the insurance company
requesting approval for WLS. The letter usually comes from the surgeon.
However, the PCP will most likely participate in your post-operative care
so if you feel that he is not for you, you might want to consider finding a
new one. Good luck!
— KathieInHawaii
April 4, 2002
I live in San Francisco and my PCP has had the surgery and is very
supportive - if you would like her name please email me at
[email protected]. - Goodluck!
— Kimberley D.
April 6, 2002
If you have a PPO and are planning on seeing a surgeon out of network, you
know you don't even need a PCP referrall...double check w/your ins co on
this, but no sense in wasting time getting PCP appointments/clearances,
when there will be PLENTY to do once you begin the whole process. Good
luck!
— rebeccamayhew
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