Question:
My PCP will not give a referrel. I'm looking a Dr. in my area who is WLS freindly I l

I live in MaysLanding N.j. it's 15Miles from Atlantic City. I need HELP    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 3, 2001)

November 3, 2001
Call the customer service line of your health plan and ask if WLS is a covered benefit. Then ask for a copy of the criteria. Take it to your PCP and let him tell you why he's denying you the referral. If he doesn't agree, tell him you wanr a FORMAL DENIAL LETTER, then FORMALLY APPEAL THE DENIAL, to your health plan. As long as you meet the criteria he CAN'T deny the referral. Good luck!
   — DianeN

November 3, 2001
Hi, I think the best thing you can do is to call one of the surgeons who do WLS. Ask them to give you the name of a PCP who has referred clients to them. Then change your PCP. This way you can get the referral to the surgeon YOU want. Best of luck... this is an awesome experience.
   — marlene R.