Question:
I am not in an HMO, does my PCP need to recommend me.

I have a new PCP that has only know me for the last 9 months. She has not seen me struggle for years, so she is not particularily supportive. She wants me to try the diet thing again. She didn't see me diet faithfully for over 3 years, just to start gaining again, while I was still dieting. The question is, I have BCBS. Do I need a letter of recommendation from my PCP? Would a letter from my GYN, who I have known for years, work as well? TIA Karen    — Karen L. (posted on June 18, 2001)

June 18, 2001
depends on your policy. Most of them now alow you to see any dr. "in network" which is the clinic you usually specify when you sign up. Example, here we have dakota and merit care...i chose merit care therefore i can see any dr from merit care but can't go to dakota without a referral without being penalized, which mine is they pay less..instead of 100 pecent after my copay they only pay 80.
   — paula B.

June 19, 2001
I also have BCBS, not an HMO. I just called the surgeon's office and made an appointment for a consultation. Talked to my PCP after I had seen the surgeon. She was very supportive and wrote me a letter. Because my surgeon is 120 miles away, she did all the preop testing for him, and sent the results to his office. If I had gone to her first, I'm not sure she would have been so supportive.
   — Susan S.