Question:
Do I need a refferal from my PCP?

Does anyone out there have NJ Plus? I want to know if you can choose a surgeon and start the WLS process without getting a refferal from your PCP first. My PCP doesn't have appt. until 6/2006. I've never been to her before, but she came highly recommended.    — wildcat (posted on April 12, 2006)

April 11, 2006
Hi Yara! Yes, I have NJPlus, and yes, you need a referral from your PCP before you start anything. But I'd rethink this PCP if I were you -- remember, this is the person who will be taking care of your health. No matter how highly recommended she comes, she's going to do you absolutely no good if you have to wait two months for an appointment. Especially after major surgery, you will have concerns and fears, and even tho 99 percent of them will be unfounded, you still need to talk to someone and have minor problems checked. Look around, there are plenty of others in NJ that won't treat you like that. Good luck, and welcome to the losing side!
   — mwilson523

April 11, 2006
I have to agree with Mary on this one. This PCP may be highly recommended, but not being able to get in until June for an initial visit is a problem. That would make me wonder how long the wait would be if I was really sick! (Probably not two months, but maybe days for an illness.) You do need a PCP you feel comfortable with and who will be amenable to following you from a medical standpoint after WLS. I have been very fortunate that my PCP, although initially skeptical about my desire to have lap RNY, has embraced it and is open to checking whatever labs I think I need to have done (along with the routine stuff he usually follows) and learning about his patients' needs after WLS.) I'm not the only person in his practice that has now had surgery. He has even asked if I would be willing to talk to patients of his that really need WLS but are unsure about it! (I told him I would be happy to - have them call me!) The point is that, whether you need a referral or not, you need a good relationship with your PCP.
   — koogy

April 12, 2006
Yara, I went to the seminar which is required by the surgerical group, their the Nurse put me in touch with the PCP that she used. I did not have a PCP either. Maybe one of the nurses at the surgeon you are thinking of going to will be able to direct you to a PCP. Just a thought. I have not had the surgery yet, but I am waiting. Praise God. LOL
   — Peggy1

April 12, 2006
I don't necessarily agree with the previous posters about the amount of time waiting for your first appt. My experience has been that this is typical for your first visit ... Once you are "in," then you have little or no waiting period. There is no way any PCP can function with a normal waiting period of several months before a visit ... I think it's just because you are new. Good luck!
   — peacefuldaizy

April 13, 2006
Yes, I agree with the previous poster. I have yet to see a PCP *initially* without a good wait. But after that...I can get right in now that I'm and established patient...and I'm happy I have her as she is a good doctor. Regards~
   — Statuesque

April 13, 2006
Yes, I agree with the previous poster. I have yet to see a PCP *initially* without a good wait. But after that...I can get right in now that I'm and established patient...and I'm happy I have her as she is a good doctor. Regards~
   — Statuesque