Question:
Will insurance accept this letter?

My PCP said she would not specifically recommend surgery. Instead, she said she would describe all of the various attempts I have made to lose weight. She will also write about my current health - reflux, knee/back/ankle problems, migraines, apnea, family history of heart attack and diabetes. She said she will also state that I must lose 150 pounds or I am at great risk of health complications. My PCP does not know enough about the surgery and is uncomfortable recommending surgery to acheive weight loss. (Old attitudes) She did say that she wasn't against surgery, either. Has anyone else had a referral letter like this? Will this referral letter work for the insurance company? Thanks and keep smiling, Hope Pre-Op 5'5", 295 lbs.    — Shirley P. (posted on April 4, 2000)

April 4, 2000
Dear Hope, Your PCP and Mine must be related *smiles*. All kiddding aside my PCP was not against it either, but didnt really want to recommend it either. Let me give you a little advice that might help, First of all if your PCP is willing to sit and listen, and read some literture try to educate them a little. After making a appt, to talk to my PCP, and taking in much literture for him, he did write a letter stating that he had discussed the issues of me, and that he listed all my diet attempts, and that he thought that the surgery being the last alternitive was the right thing for me. That he had went over the risks involved, and he was comfortable that I with the help of him and my surgeon was making the right choice. I think from what you have described, that the Letter your PCP wrote will be at least somewhat helpful and not harmful to your approval..Anyway Hope this helps a little, :o)...Good Luck!!!!!
   — Ann A.

April 5, 2000
SOUNDS ABOUT LIKE THE SAME LETTER MY PCP WROTE FOR ME AND IT SEEMED TO WORK FINE.
   — Gayle G.