Question:
Has Anyone been Successful Having WLS Services not Provided by their Surgeon Covered?

Many of us have surgery away from our home towns. With all the problems I've been having, I've been considering having my local PCP track my post-op bloodwork. Have any of you done the same? Any problems with insurance coverage since the services are not provided by the surgeon? Thanks.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on July 26, 2000)

July 26, 2000
I was told you could do it either way. If you have your PCP do it there are certain tests you have to ask for and you must make sure your surgeon gets a copy of your results. This should be covered by who ever does it. It is just a check up!
   — [Anonymous]

July 26, 2000
Before I had my surgery I had my PCP do the pre-op testing. I hand took the results to the surgeon. Now I am having my blood test done by my PCP who will then send them to the surgeon.
   — Sharon T.

July 26, 2000
My internist here in Virginia does all my post-op check-ups, the local lab does bloodwork and faxes the results to my surgeon in NYC. So far, there have been no problems with my insurance carriers. They've covered both my 3-month and 6-month check-ups and labs. Just ask your surgeon's clinical coordinator for a list of the lab tests he requires. I also get a copy of my test results, then have a phone consult with my surgeon's nutritionist, to see if any vitamin or dietary adjustments are needed.
   — Duffy H.