Question:
When I meet with my new insurance's PCP this week, what should I say?

I'm leaving my old pcp (reluctantly) after ten years due to DeanCare not covering wls (he was very much for wls). Now I meet with a new pcp this week. How should I go about saying I want a referral to an out-of-network provider for wls? This new guy won't know me, and I'm sure he'll not have had time to go over my ten years of diet history in one office visit. But I already have an appt. with my wls surgeon next week, so I really need to convince him I need that referral! Would a letter from my "old" pcp to my "new" pcp help--I'm sure he'll write a great one for me. I'm anxious as I've been working on this for months, and don't want to "blow it" by not doing or saying the right things. Thanks!    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 28, 2000)

August 28, 2000
I believe a letter from your old pcp is a great idea. Doc's like to stick together. And you are right about that time thing. Hopefully even with the letter you have more than a 15 minute appt. I know you are in a hard situation. I have somewhat the same situation coming up and because my first pcp was not in support of (did not believe in WLS, and thought it too drastic)didn't have this option. Take any ammo you can get. Don't forget to take family history, previous diet attempts, etc. to add to it. Good luck.
   — JennyLynn A.