Question:
What is Kaiser doing now about approvals?

Are they making "newer" patients wait until the "older" patients are processed? Especially for the out of network surgeons. Are they only allowing 40 patients at once time to be refered to Pacific Baratrics? I really am desperate to have this surgery because I feel so poorly. I know I'll be approved for wls, because I meet Kaiser's requirements, but I haven't been approved yet. I've been to PB's orientation and had my numerous blood tests. I'm thinking if that Kaiser is only refering "older" patients to PB then they have to go to orientation, have gall bladder ultrasound, and I will be wasting more time while all the older patients are taking their tests. Does anyone know if Kaiser is thinking of adding more out of network surgeons? There is just a tremendous need for this surgery and we need to taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. To me a reasonable amount of time is about 6-9 months. That gives us time to research, practice, attend required medical appointments and re-consider if this surgery is right for us. Please keep me in your prayers for I am feeling desperate because I'm tired and weary of living in CONSTANT pain. question asked on 1/18/02    — J V. (posted on January 18, 2002)

January 18, 2002
I have Kaiser So. California and I know that we down south work differently then your folks up north but...I am a newer patient and it took me 4 1/2 months to get all the appointments, blood, ultra sound, etc done and then my PCP submitted my paperwork to see if I could get approved. It took one week and one day to hear that I was approved and then 6 days after that to hear from Pacific Bariatrics..pretty quick I think! Now Im not 100% sure but I think that Kaiser is looking for other surgeons to send patients to because of the fact that P.B is soooo booked. I also heard that they are no longer sending patients to UCLA..again not 100% sure. Its ALWAYS worth it to try to get approved for surgery no matter how long it takes. I know that you mentioned 6-9 months but even if it takes longer its worth it..lets face it, it didnt take 6-9 months to get us where we are now!! Keep your chin up and keep trying.
   — [Anonymous]