Question:
Help, I need a PCP in the San Diego area that will refer me to a Surgeon!

Hi everyone, I've been looking into this greatly. But my Doctor wants me to try all these other things first. I need to find a PCP that I can go to that will refer me to surgery and has done this before. So if anyone is out there that has Healthnet HMO (they say on their benefit form that they don't cover obesity related things but I know they do, you just have to go to the right person who knows what they are doing) and has gone through this before, I live in San Diego, CA and need help. You can e-mail me separately if you like at [email protected] to give me the info on the Doctor, etc. I've only seen my current Doctor once, so I'm not opposed to changing PCP's. I would be greatly in your debt. I'm excited about living again and want to as soon as possible. Thank you! Your Friend, Christy    — Christine M. (posted on December 8, 2000)

December 10, 2000
Hi Christy, my PCP is Kirsten Searfus with the UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA. She has been my doctor for many years and was very supportive of my decision about WLS. I don't know what hospital you currently use (i.e., sharp, scripps, kaiser)but you may want to think about changing hospitals next time open enrollment comes along. If you use UCSD and you have moved recently, you can change your PCP. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] if you have more questions. Best Wishes, Cyn
   — cynthiaellis

December 10, 2000
Is Dr. Alan Schoengold listed as a PCP with your insurance? Katherine Bradshaw (a certified physician's assistant) practices under him. She is very supportive of WLS. She referred me to Dr. Callery in Poway for WLS. Dr. Callery and his staff are great! I would suggest that you attend one of his informational seminars asap. Call his office and register for the information session. All potential patients must attend an information session prior to making an individual appointment with Dr. Callery. In fact, someone on Dr. Callery's staff recommended Katherine Bradshaw to me when I was having problems getting my PCP to refer me to a WLS surgeon. Marti (on his office staff) is an expert on what needs to be submitted to get insurance approval. They have a very high success rate on getting approvals.
   — Gina E.