Question:
My pcp has been working on my referral since Dec. 6TH 202, should

it really take that long? Everytime that I call the office there is another snag. First they sent IHA just a regular referral. We all know that this is a very indept referral and she didn't know how to go about it. I called IHA, and told them that she was having trouble with it, so they faxed the doctor's office the guidelines. That was three weeks ago. Last Friday I finally got to talk to the doctor, after many days of trying, and he said that he had just finished the letter of medical necessity. O.K. today is Tuesday, think it might have reached IHA by now? Not on your life!!! It is still at the transcribers! It might be back tomorrow, but for sure by Thursday, sure!! I want to dump this doctor, but if I do that now, I will have to start over again, and God knows they have almost zapped me of all my strengh, not quite all of it, but it has taken a major hit. My question is, can I change doctors after the referal is in, or am I stuck with him until after the surgery? Also is there a way to make a formal complaint, so that know one else has to be put through this wringer? Maybe if I do that , they will make sure that there office staff knows how to complete the paper work. I have already changed Dr's once and I don't want the insurance company to think that I am nuts, but they are some of the slowest, people that I have ever come across that work in a office. From coming to this site everyday, I know more about the process they they do!!    — Karin S. (posted on January 14, 2003)

January 14, 2003
My advise is to call your surgeon and get a referral for a pcp that is friendly. Don't worry what the insurance company thinks - they are just a corporation not a person. I'm sorry you've had this trouble, I think some doctors forget they are dealing with people.
   — Sunny S.

January 14, 2003
My second PCP was very supportive of the surgery decision and yet he took a while to do his thing. However, I would call and say, "IS this going to happen and if so, when? If not, I'd like to know that so I can pursue alternate routes." They should give you a clear answer. If not, then switch PCPs (which is what I did and I am THRILLED to death. People on here told me you don't HAVE to put up with a noncooperative PCP and they are RIGHT!)
   — susanje

January 14, 2003
I suppose that the referral process is different in different cities with different surgeons and PCP's and maybe different insurance companies. I have Oxford Freedom Plan. When I went to my pcp for my annual physical in October, I told him that I wanted it, he said "great, I think it's a good idea". I had already made an appointment for the surgeon, and just stopped at the secretary on my way out to give her the surgeon's name and my appointment date. That was it. It was no different than for any specialist or lab work. Do you think that maybe your PCP is giving you the run around?? It would be interesting to know if others in your area or others with your insurance are having, or have had a similar experience.
   — Fixnmyself