Question:
My PCP has again denied giving me a referral.

I have an initial consultation with Dr. Thayer on 3/8/01 (this is the 2nd I have set up). Does anyone know if I go to the consultation without a referral and pay for it out of my pocket and should qualify for surgery will Tufts pay for it without the initial PCP referral? If not, do you know of any WLS friendly PCP's who might give me a referral on such short notice? HELP!!!!    — Debbi C. (posted on February 23, 2001)

February 23, 2001
Hi Debbie; I don't have Tufts ins. so I can't respond on that part of your question. But as far as getting a referral tell your PCP that if he/she doesn't give you one you are going to get a different PCP and then DO IT! Find one that is more in-tuned to YOUR needs and necessities. Don't let your present PCP just take your co-pay and send you on your way! Good luck, I hope you find the right one. Lorraine
   — Lorraine L.

February 23, 2001
Debbie, I am sorry that I can't answer your question specifically. My suggestion is to contact your surgeon's office and ask them the names of PCP's that have referred patients to them. Hope this helps. Shelley
   — Shelley.

February 23, 2001
I also had a problem with my PCP one month he said he would give me a referral and when I went to get it he wanted to put me on another diet. I called the surgeons office and asked if they had to have a referral, they said no, so I went to my appointment with the surgeon, gave them my medical card and paid my co-pay, the insurance handled the rest. I don't have TUFTS, but this is what I did. I suggest you call the surgeons office. They can help you.
   — [Anonymous]