Question:
What do I do if my physician won't recommend me for surgery?
I have just moved here to Oregon from California and I have found a physician but he does not agree with Bariatric Surgery.......Do I need to have a physician approve me or am I able to go to the surgeon??...please help — Sherry V. (posted on June 28, 2007)
June 28, 2007
Sherry;
No, you do not need to have a physician refer you.
What kind of surgery are you looking into? VSG or bypass?
your new found friend in Idaho
Betty
— buhlgal
June 28, 2007
It depends on your insurance plan, but you just may need a referral from
your PCP. If this guy won't do it, change to a different PCP. Keep looking
till you find one who you like and who agrees with bariatric surgery.
— KRWaters
June 28, 2007
Hi Sherry, thanks for writing. You need to check with your insurance
carrier and see. I have a PPO and would not have needed a referral with
the current insurance that I have, however, I had Tricare (military)
coverage when I actually had wls surgery, and I did have to have a
physician referral to a surgeon at that time. So it totally depends on
your insurance coverage. Now, if your does require this, then you just
need a new doctor that is supportive for wls. You can contact a surgeon
and see if they work with particular doctors that take your coverage, or
check with your coverage carrier and see what doctors are available in your
area and do some calling. Then go visit and give them a try. Before you do
that though, be sure that the current doctor you have isn't correct in his
assessment. I know it is bad news, but sometimes the honest news is bad
news. I had a friend that was turned down for surgery, and she fought for
it and got what she asked for, surgery. She never used her tool properly,
took to alcohol and continued to smoke against all warnings. I am not
certain she is alive today, and if she is not, it is due to the damage done
post surgery. She was not ready for the changes, and she was not serious
about losing weight. She wanted a miracle, and she got a tool. She wanted
surgery and weight loss to change her life, but she would not face her
problems and deal with them. It cost her too much. Be sure you are not in
that same boat. Once you have the surgery, it's too late to change your
mind. Take care and I wish you well. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
June 28, 2007
It depends on your insurance - some require referrals for specialists and
others don't.
If you do require a referral and your doctor is opposed to WLS in general,
then you might want to go to a local support group and ask people for a
recommendation on a primary doctor who would be open to it. You could even
post a note on the Oregon Forum here on Obestityhelp.com asking for
recommendations.
Beth
— Beth F.
June 28, 2007
It depends on your insurance. I have Tricare Prime and must have a referral
from my PCM. The first two doctors that I went to were against WLS so I
changed doctors until I could find one that wasn't so narrow minded. Now, I
have a wonderful doctor who believes in bariatric surgery. She was shocked
when I told her some of the comments that the previous two doctors made to
me concerning the surgery. Good luck to you!
— Cindy H.
June 29, 2007
There can be all kinds of reasons, both physical and mental, for any
primary care physician (PCP) to advise against having bariatric surgery. If
your PCP is simply against bariatric surgery on general principles, that's
his right to be that way. It's also YOUR right to seek a 2nd opinion and,
if warranted, switch to another PCP who is more compliant the surgical
solution to obesity and the many problems that come with being terribly
overweight (including diabetes, which is a KILLER -- literally).
— [Deactivated Member]
June 29, 2007
You do not need to be approved by your physician to have this surgery. My
primary care physician did not even know I went to my surgeon for a
consultation even when I asked for a referral from his office. All you
need is to set an appt with a bariatric surgeon.
— threewishes
June 29, 2007
I think all weight loss centers have a simular criteria and your primary
care doctor can block your surgery if they feel strongly enough about it. I
may be facing the same problem. Your Primary care has to approve you and
fill out a form. And do an exam, However I am going to have the surgeon and
the nurse who runs the facility contact mine personaly. That way they can
ask the technical questions we can't answer.
— bderuiter
June 29, 2007
Find another doctor ASAP! I have a medical background and have learned a
few things about picking a doctor. Every single doctor that I have I set up
an interview with them. Whether or not people see it, the patient is a
costomer and good service is your right not a privelidge. If you do
interview it may cost you the price of the office visit, but if you decide
to go with them that fee is usually waived or billed to your insurance. You
need someone that is supportive. Support is crucial in this process. Hope
this helps-Heather
— tazthewiz23
June 30, 2007
if you need a PCP by your insurance like an HMO then yes you need them if
you have a PPO no you don't but you need a PCP that will assist with your
follow up and be supportive. All PCP's should know about the surgery and
work in conjunction with the surgeon
— DonnaB.
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