Question:
How long did it take the psysicians to write the letters that you needed to submit?

How often did you call them to see if they had done it yet? I dont want to annoy them. Thanks    — LisaMarie (posted on September 1, 2005)

September 1, 2005
Politely annoying people until they do what I want has always worked for me. :) Seriously, I think as long as you acknowledge to the person on the other end that you know how busy they are and you hate to bother them about his, but it's really important for you to know blah blah blah, you shouldn't feel as though you're annoying them. Return your calls based on what they say...if they say they'll get to it in a few days, call back in a few days and remind them of wht tey said. Good Luck! Julie
   — jerseyjuji

September 1, 2005
It took a few months for me. I did call frequently, hoping that the sound of my voice would get annoying, and they'd hurry up. Unfortunately, that never worked. The magic trick for me was making an unannounced visit to my PCP's office to complain about not receiving my letter. Here's the magic part... the very next day, it was ready for me to pick up! Of course I was tactful and not rude or anything when I went to the dr's office, but I was firm and demanding. Since then, I have won the friendship of one specific nurse, so now if I need anything, I can call her directly. So, if you have the opportunity to warm up to anyone at your doc's office, it couldn't hurt! Good Luck :)
   — Andrea Q.

September 1, 2005
It took my Doctor less then a week to have my letter ready. His office staff is highly efficient. Within 2 weeks, they had all of my necessary paperwork ready. I picked them up personally and took them to Edmond with me, as I had a series of tests that had to be done that day also. Now, I am just waiting on my appointment with Dr. Pearce. Kenny says my surgery date should be within 2 weeks. I'm excited and more then ready!
   — Reva Hayes

September 1, 2005
Most of the doctors I had were as timely as their shedule would allow. However the phychiatrist was a real, I'll just say jerk. And that is very kind. He waited 8 weeks and it probally would have been alot longer had I not called every two days. I'm sure his secretary I talked to knew what a horse's ### he was being. Everything was hinging on his letter. Sure he was busy. But not to busy to take my money. I don't know what to tell you, but I like the first posters "polite repeat calling". It did help me. If you can be polite to the poor person who has to take your calls, sometimes they can intersede for you. Best of luck.
   — Danmark

September 1, 2005
4 months, but I changed surgeons half way through it.
   — RebeccaP

September 2, 2005
By the GRACE of GOD, I have a VERY supportive PCP, so it only took him 2days to complete my letter. Just call the office and find out what day you can expect the letter. I TOTALLY understand that the doc is REALLY busy...but.....lets keep it real, your doc is NOT the one that's typing this letter up, his office admin is doing the work. So I would just be VERY nice, and give them a call.
   — PHA STAR

September 2, 2005
I typed the letter myself and made sure to include all the information required by my insurance company (I have seen several sample letters during my research). My PCP read the letter, added a written comment stating he agreed that surgery would be very benificial to me and then he just signed it! If faxed it to my insurance company that day. So mine took 1 day!
   — Kathleen H.