Question:
What group of Doctors do I need to see to help me with my surgery?

I'd like to make appointments see whatever Dr. I can that will help me say "Yes, she needs this surgery" Which Dr's referal does the Ins. company look for before the surgery can be done?    — mischief85 (posted on December 14, 2002)

December 14, 2002
Your primary care doctor is the one that would give you a referral to the surgeon (if you need a referral.I didnt). Then the surgeon usually writes the letter of medical necessity to the ins. for you. Sounds like what you need to do is choose a surgeon that you want to perform the surgery first and let him tell you what steps to take. Hope this helps
   — Delores S.

December 14, 2002
I know what really got me approved was the diagnosis of sleep apnea. I am still pre-op my date is scheduled for Jan 22. I am a light weight with a BMI of 41.3 and my insurer is Cigna PPO. They requested more information 3 times and once they got the results from my sleep study I was approved in 2 days. Good luck
   — Marjorie F.

December 14, 2002
Oh yeah wanted to add that your PCP can send you for a sleep study but I went to a pulmonologist.
   — Marjorie F.

December 14, 2002
If you don't already have a primary care provider, then look for an Internal Medicine doc who is WLS friendly. I mentioned this surgery to my IM doc on the first visit, and she was very supportive and helpful in the whole process. Not all docs will be though! If you try one who goes into the "diet and exercise" song and dance, try again! Susan open RNY 11/18/02, down 20+lbs
   — Susan A.