Question:
Primary Dr or Dermatoligist?

I've lost about 137 pounds and I really need plastic surgery for my breasts,Im 40 pounds from my goal. Ive gone from a 48DDD to 40DD, so I have so much excess skin, Ive developed like a itchy dry rash patch under my left breast, I want to go to the dr. to get it documented,to try and get insurance to pay for the surgery.My question is: Who should I go to? should I go to my primary care Dr or the Dermatologist? Is there one dr that holds more weight?, or do I need to go to both? (I dont need refferal with my insurance, so I go to what ever dr I need.) Im intersted in using Dr.Sterry in NYC, if any one can tell me How long it took you to get an initial consultation with him, I would appreciate it--Thanks so much!!    — msstacey (posted on November 11, 2004)

November 10, 2004
I don't believe either one would "carry more weight" as far as documentation. However, a dermatologist might be more aggressive in treating the rash. Be sure to have any back pain documented, any problems with straps digging into your shoulders, etc. Call your insurance company, or check your summary plan description to see what exactly your plan requires in order to do the surgery you want, then try to meet the requirements. Good luck!
   — koogy

November 11, 2004
I would use a dermatologist. Make sure that he marks in his charts that he feels the rash is due to the excess skin. If his treatment fails to correct it, this will only better your case for getting the plastic surgery paid for. Insurance companies want to see that you have tried 2 or 3 different things to correct the problem and that the problem won't go away before they pay for plastic surgery.
   — Patty H.