Question:
What do I do next??????? Getting no answers

I have been calling Kaiser for week's on end with no answers yet. One Dr. says shes not in the loop anymore because I dont want to take her weight management class, and my PCP keeps saying she is waiting for some form.. I dont know what to do next. Every time I call no one seems to know what to do next. I dont want to give up, but I feel they have won.    — Amy M. (posted on August 9, 2001)

August 9, 2001
Be persistent.. keep calling or go in and talk w/ customer service if you can.
   — Dawn R.

August 9, 2001
Kaiser has very specific rules and regs for being referred for this surgery. I had to take the 10-week Healthy Lifestyles and Weight Management classes BEFORE my PCP would even refer me. In the interim of taking the classes for 2.5 months I found out I had sleep apnea. At that point my PCP was all for referring me because I now had a documented life-threatening co-morbidity. Request the Gastric Bypass surgery booklet from Kaiser Health Education. It tells you exactly what you need to do and what the requirements for referral are. If you're not getting any answers from your PCP, contact Kaiser Member Services and complain about it. Do not give up! You can read my profile and see exactly what I've done so far. My file is at the review committee at this time and the bariatric surgery rep. said I should have my answer in 2 or 3 weeks. It has been very frustrating and it's a long road, but again, you have to stick to it if it's something you really want. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 9, 2001
Hello Amy, I would first like to suggest that you go ahead and sign up for the 10-week weight Management Class, this way you can speed-up the process. I was going to refuse at first,however I thought I should go along with my PCP and follow her directions. I am currently halfway through the classes, and as this past Monday, So. San Francisco has received my referral, so I am now waiting for an approval. Go ahead and pick up the booklet that they have in health education, not only must you educate yourself on the surgery, but also on the requirements of your insurance company. I am very pleased to say that it only taken two months total after seeing my PCP, taking all the necessary test to have my referral sent to So. San Francisco. I would also like to mention that my PCP did an excellent job in preparing my paperwork, everything that the commmittee required was included, no going back and forth. Try working with your PCP, share information that you have learned with them. May I suggest that you pick up an extra booklet for your PCP, make an appt. and share what you have learned about the surgery with your provider, try to get him/her on your side. I know that it seems like a lot, however it is such a small price to pay to get what you want.I will try e-mailing you so that I can share information on how you can make this process go much faster. In the meantime, go ahead with the 10-week weight loss class.
   — [Anonymous]

August 23, 2001
Hello Amy, I was approved back in May, still waiting to get a surgery date, but if you can type up every diet you have ever tryed,and the dates and amount lost and how much gained back the weight management classes are not required. If you have any questions about this call Mirina Birman at south S.F kaiser bariatric surgery center. Her number is (650)742-3214. She is on the committee, all referrals go before her first, before they go to committee, to make sure all paperwork is complete. I would call her with all questions. She was a god send to me when I was going through the year of waiting. Remember to be patient, and never give up.
   — [Anonymous]