Question:
Does anyone have a sample letter from your PCP to insurance?

I have a new PCP who I will ask to write me a letter for the insurance companies. Does anyone have a sample letter to share with me? I would like to give my PCP an idea of a successful letter. Many thanks.    — blank first name B. (posted on October 19, 2003)

October 19, 2003
Kim I also had a new pcp when i started out and she was not that familiar with the process so when I asked her about the letter she told me to write it and she would do the rest. I found a really good one on this website under your journey I had to input my own personal information. I was approved within two weeks. But one thing I did for every problem I mention in my letter I had some type of document to back it up so I didn't give them a chance to come back and say we need something else I hope this help
   — shae7755

October 19, 2003
Here's the letters I used (one from PCP and one from OB/GYN)....I actually typed it myself and left room at the top for the doctor's letterhead....all he and she had to do was copy it on to his letterhead and sign it.<p> <b>To Whom It May Concern:</b><p> This letter is regarding Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx. Mrs. Xxxxxxxx is a registered nurse and is motivated, educated, and able to understand all aspects of surgery, recovery and long-term follow-up. She has been a patient of mine for several years (March, 1994 to present) and we have discussed her obesity as it relates to her health. In March, 1994 her weight was 242 lbs. and it is now 290 lbs. At 5'6" tall, her BMI is 48.4, which classifies her as morbidly obese. She has kept a weight loss/gain record of all the different methods of exercise and diet plans she has tried over the years.<p> Xxxx knows that her morbid obesity increases health risks and has expressed a desire to lose weight throughout the years, and in fact, every time she came in, I talked to her about that. I have talked to her in great detail about the harm that occurs from being overweight. She has tried many different diets and has gained and lost weight over the years and is now heavier than she's ever been. In the past, I have provided her with a 1500 calorie weight reduction diet, but without lasting results. Most recently she is reporting shortness of breath on exertion, pain in her knees, hips and back, fatigue, occasional reflux when lying down, and stress incontinence.<p> In the past, Xxxx had made emergency room visits related to chest pain and, after hospital admission and diagnostic testing was found to have a hiatal hernia. She is now reporting symptoms of sleep apnea and has been referred to a pulmonologist for consult.<p> She has a history of a high HDL/LDL ratio, bilateral lower extremity edema related to extended walking/standing (on 2 or 3 occasions, which resolved overnight), and migraine headaches. On her most recent visit of April 12, 2000, I notice that she was short of breath with speech, but she has been reporting some cough and congestion over the past 2 weeks, for which Vibramycin was prescribed. <p> Sincerely,<p> Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxx, MD<p> And then here's the one from my OB/GYN:<p> <b>To Whom It May Concern:</b><p> Xxxxx Xxxxxxx has been a patient of mine for several years and we have discussed her obesity during regular visits as it relates to her health.<p> During this time, Xxxxx has expressed a desire to lose weight and reports having tried many different diets, diet plans, and exercise over the years without success, or at least gaining back even more than she had lost.<p> Xxxxx has been Amennorheaic for approximately 7 years directly related to her morbid obesity and bloodwork has been done to rule out pre-menopause. Of other concern, she has been unsuccessful at getting pregnant over the past 5 years due to her morbid obesity and has been referred to a reproductive specialist.<p> If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.<p> Sincerely,<p> Dr. X. Xxxxx, M.D.<p> Hope this is helpful for you!
   — Lynette B.

October 21, 2003
Sharon Brittain has a really good letter on her file that has helped many people get approved! I feel it is one of the best I've seen!! Hope this helps. Becky
   — bufordslipstick

October 21, 2003
P.S. I read the question wrong. HE! HEE! I'm trying to catch up too soon. Sharon Brittains letter is a letter that the person wanting the WLS writes theirself. (Is this proper English??) She does not mind if you redo this letter to fit your situation and co-morbs.
   — bufordslipstick