Question:
Attention Kaiser Patients..??? for you.

I was wondering if you could please tell me..after you did all the testing that your PCP wanted and he put together all of your paperwork/referel to submit to the higher ups to get your approvel and then submitted it, how long after submitting did it take for you to get approved/denied? When you post your answer can you please post where you are and your starting BMI? Thank You so much..you guys are great. Huggs..Cheri    — mastrnservnt (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 30, 2001
Hi Cheri...my file was sent to the committee around June 23, 2001, and I was approved on Sept. 13, 2001. In the middle of the process (in Aug.) they requested some x-rays of my knees, which I got promptly and had the results sent over. I asked why they waited 2 months before asking for them, but they didn't have an answer for me. Also I had the required co-morbidities, so why ask for more tests? Anyway I was told it takes anywhere from "3 weeks to 3 months" to get an answer from the committee. It took a week less than 3 months for me to get my approval. I notice on your profile that you're in So. CA...I have Kaiser No. CA (San Fran.), and my experience is that the Northern CA takes much, much longer to do for the whole process. So hopefully you'll get a quicker answer. Much good luck to you, Cheri! Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 30, 2001
I have Kaiser, Nothern Ca too. It took me 1 year to get all the approvals.. but the girl i work with she submitted her paper work in June 2001, and got approved in September.. so you never know.. just keep on them, be nice but stern.. follow up on everything.. every week. good luck.. they pay for everything.. so don't give up. Tricia:)
   — Tricia V.

December 1, 2001
Hi Cheri! I had Kaiser-Southern CA when I had WLS last year. It took me four months from the time I saw my PCP to the day I had surgery. I think what helped me was I was very prepared, organized and kept on top of Kaiser. Through reading posts here on ObesityHelp.com, I learned what Kaiser's criteria was and what was the best plan of attack. Having a supportive PCP and psychiatrist really helped the cause, but I think my persistance was the key. You can check out my profile for my story. Best of luck!! http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=Banks964496273
   — Cynthia B.