Question:
How do I make my PCP listen to me????

My refferal was deferred for more information La Vida Medical defferred me because they wanted to know if " Documentations that other correctable causes for morbid obeasity have been evaluated and treated or ruled out. They want to know if I have any existing drug or alcohol abuse problems or major psychiatric disorder? Then once they know that they will evaluate if I can see the surgeon for consulation only. Well I am not crazy and I dont do the drugs or alchol and I know everything that can be done has been done but they dont believe me they want to hear it from my PCP. I only have 45 days to get the information to them for reevaluation...my PCP is taking her dear sweet time! The referal was sent 5/11/05 and she still hasent gotten back to them!!!! I am getting really frustrated, I contact her nurse on a daily basis and she said she is trying...she is a very nice lady so I dont want to bug her but my doc doesnt seem to want to bother with my, any ideas??? HELP time is running out!! I only have 34 days left!!!    — Gina Q. (posted on May 28, 2004)

May 28, 2004
This was kind of confusing. You have a refferal from your insurance company to see a bariatric surgeon, I'm going to assume. The refferal is only good for another month...am I right so far? Assuming that I am, what your bariatric surgeon is waiting on is documentation that you have been morbidly obese for a certain amount of time, that you have tried various methods of losing the weight, and that you do not have a history of abusing drugs or alcohol? And you need to get that documentation from your PCP, but she's kind of dragging her feet and taking her time and your referral is only good for another 30+ days? Ok, if I DO have that right, you're already doing the best thing, which is being the squeaky wheel: keep calling and checking up-not being rude, just persistent. Eventually, they'll get sick and tired of hearing from you and will just get your stuff done to get you out of the way. That said, continue to be polite as you have been, because if you're ugly to them, they're not going to want to help you! And remember, they're asking for this documentation to make this transistion as easy for you as possible. They're concerned about your prior health history because that could be a big indicator of how your surgery will go. They need to know as much as possible. Also, try not to stress too much about the refferal. Your insurance company will re-refer you if your time limit runs out. Just take a few deep breaths and remember that this too shall pass and you'll be on your way to a healthier life! Good luck!
   — jenn_jenn

May 28, 2004
Also, they HAVE to have that documentation before they proceed with your surgery. It's a liability thing. They cannot take your word on it, they must have the information from your PCP. I'm sure you are not a drug or alcohol addict, but from their perspective you very well could be and are just telling them what they want to hear. If you are, that increases your risks for surgery and it also increases your chance for having a healthy post-op experience. You or your family could turn around and sue them for any number of reasons. They obviously don't want that, and since they most likely don't have lie detectors set up in their offices, they need to go with the next best form of proof, which is documentation from your PCP. It's not personal, they aren't calling you a liar, but in the unlikely event that it were the case, they have to do this for their benefit.
   — jenn_jenn

May 28, 2004
Why can't you go somewhere else and get a psych evaluation and blood work done? Seems like thats all you need. I would ask my surgeon's office if they can help. Just explain the situation to them.
   — issymudd

May 28, 2004
In life when you have a non responsive whatever doctor, car mechanic, whoever phoning is NOT the best way:( Its way too easy to ignoree a disembodied voice on a phone:( What you do is stop at the office and be NICE but firm that you need whatever. Tell them you will be back and want another doctor appointment if you dont have the paperwork by say the end of the week. The doctors time is money this will put you on the top of the heap so to speak:)<P> Now if they STILL ignore you stop in again and be pleasant but miffed:) Tell them because this is so important I will be stopping in DAILY to pick up my copy of the paperwork, so dont bother mailing it! The last thing in the world they want is you cluttering up their waiting room, complaining, wasting time they could be spending on other things:) At this point they will immediately push your paperwork thru just to be rid of you!!!<P> Complaing is a art I am good at, thanks to some past problems where people ignored me. I decided I wouldnt stand for it anymore. <P> In general terms if someone your dealing with is truly wrong and hacks you off this works awesome!! TELL the offender to write down their name, with their bosses name and phone number. So you know where to call and complain. Few people want to incriminate themselves and nearly all will do what they can at this point to make you happy. I dont do this kinda stuff lightly and try to always be nice. But its in my arsenal of how to get problems fixed.
   — bob-haller