Question:
Referral and approval

My PCP gave me a referral and I have seen the surgeon. The surgeon's office requires a detailed letter from my PCP stating you are obese & physicain supports Bariatric surgery as medically necessary. When I called my PCP, they stated that I had to submit my evaluation to them and they would send to Cigna for approval from the medical directors. I thought the surgeon's office did this. Is my PCP just stalling or is this normal? I have my weight loss documented.    — Karen T. (posted on March 11, 2003)

March 11, 2003
Karen, I'm pretty sure the surgeon's office is supposed to do this. I've never heard of a PCP doing it, since he is not performing the surgery. Maybe you can call back and just say that the surgeon is submitting the info, but cannot until you get his (PCP) letter. My PCP wrote the letter for me, and helped me get approved. Goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.