Question:
Sorry...I am talking about my PCP not my Bariatric Doctor

My PCP has never written a letter of necessaty before. Hope this helps to clear up any questions. Thank you all so much dianne    — NovemberHope (posted on October 28, 2008)

October 28, 2008
I would assume your PCP has some idea of what co morbidity factors could be. There are more than minor health issues, that can be relieved by losing excess wt. All you doc has to do is to make up a list of your health issues. Check with your insurance company to see what co morbid conditions they require for surgery. Normally you have to have >40 BMI or 2 or 3 co morbidity issues. I had a 39.5 BMI when I consulted my doc, but I had co morbid conditions. I did not have all of these but here are some that will probably count: diabetes or family history, sleep apnea, taking bp meds, taking cholestorol lowering drugs, joint replacement under consideration, severe back pain from wt, having to use a walker or scooter for mobility, skin infections from excess wt, etc. You need to know from your insurance company which ones "count in their book", then have the doctor list the ones that you have already. It's not that difficult. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

October 28, 2008
Would your insurance company accept a letter from your bariatric doctor?? I would gte one from them if so...I would also think very long and hard about changing your PCP...This doctor sounds like a real winner...If he can't get a letter or medical neccesity from a colleage or write it himself, how is he going to deal with the issues that come up after surgery...You will need top notch care post surgery and if he can't even write a letter without you doing the foot work, wilol he know how quickly you can get dehydrated, will he know when you need medical attention because your blood work is off, will he be aware of warning signs of complications, these are all serious and life threatening things to think about if they happen how will this dr. respond and will his response be quick enought to help you, or will you be left holding the bag and doing the leg work... I also hope for you that your bariatric program is a good supportive one especially with a dr. like you have..
   — lori042499

October 28, 2008
Dianne...first, if you like your current PCP, don't change because he is unsure how to write this letter. I don't think that is too uncommon. Besides, obviously, he wants to make sure that he writes it correctly and helps you along, so you have to give him some credit for that. I have attached a link that has one sample (you'll probably have to copy it into the address field to search). Hopefully this will help some...and good luck! http://www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman/obesitysurgeryguide.pdf
   — BrendaMS