Question:
Does anyone have a letter that I can use as a guideline?

My stupid PCP's office made me wait 3 months for the letter and what I received was a 2nd grade level two sentence letter. I am almost there and need some help. Diane    — Diane G. (posted on March 12, 2004)

March 11, 2004
There's one under my profile at the bottom... of the profile where I listed my doctor letters... good luck
   — WLS_Deb

March 13, 2004
I got several letters for my surgery from my doctors. It sounds like you aren't too happy with your PCP. Do you know who your surgeon will be or what office he or she is in? I kind of started my procedure backwards. I called a surgeon that I had heard many great things about. I had their office refer me to a PCP who had a lot of experince with WLS and who had refered a lot of patients to them. That doctor wrote me 2 letters about 2 months apart. Then I went to my regular PCP and discussed it with her and she wrote a letter. I happened to have a gynocologist appointment at that time too so I discussed it with her and she wrote me a letter also. I ended up with 5 recommendation letters including that of the surgeon. My insurance approved it within a day from when they received the preauthorization request. My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday 3/17. Good luck!
   — Julie Rich

March 23, 2004
Sharon Brittain's profile has an excellent letter that she doesn't mind sharing and a list of co-morbs that you can use also. I believe she even shows you how to make a family history chart which is helpful in getting approved. Also (even though you didn't ask) Rona Scott wrote an excellent piece in the library on the costs of medications and treatment for the obese that are lessened after WLS ect.... After I typed this out it was over 6 pages long and it is an extremely valuable piece to send in with your letters requesting WLS. You can find it in the library. I also made a diet history and sent this in. ANY and all info you can gather to send to insurance company supporting your need for WLS will be helpful in getting approved. Good Luck!!
   — bufordslipstick

March 23, 2004
There is a sample letter in here somewhere that your Dr can use to write his letter. Check the library. I know someone has given instructions before on how to look it up. Hope this helps!!
   — bufordslipstick