Question:
Who is supposed to provide the letter of medical necessity.

My PCP gave a referral, but feels the letter should come from the surgeon. The surgeon is asking that the PCP do it. How have others resolved this.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 27, 2001)

August 27, 2001
<p><font color=purple> My pcp wrote a simple letter stating this:</p> <p>Dawn is under my care at the Broadway Clinic. She is morbidly obese with a history of sever reflux, hypertension, urinary incontinence and joint pain. She would clearly benefit from successful Barrow's surgery due to the severity of her obesity and medical problems associated with it.</p> <p>I also had letters of support from my OBGYN, my bladder surgeon, a psychiatrist, nutritional counselor and my sister and mom. I wrote my own letter as well which was like 7-8 pages going over my medical history as well as the medical history of my family. I documented my diet history as well which took another 3-5 pages. All of this went along w/ the surgeons authorization request (which was very nicely documented).</p> <p>I don't know if this was too much information (TMI) but I hope it helps. Holler if I can help with anything ok?</p> <p>Email if if you want at: </font><font color=blue>[email protected]</font>
   — Dawn R.

August 27, 2001
I also have a letter of medical nessecity that I had my PCP type up. I found if you write it yourself and take it in to them, they tend to be more compliant. Send me an email and I'll gladly send it to you
   — Elizabeth D.

August 27, 2001
I had a real problem with getting this done too. My Surgeon that I was referred to(actually his staff) totally refused even giving me a Conultation before I was approved for surgery, so I went to my PCP. they have been dragging their heels for a month, but I am finally getting them to send the Letter today. Now the Insurance Company was telling me that the letter should come from the surgeon also, but my PCP told them that is not the case, and they were finally willing to accept the letter from my PCP. Long story Short: it may take you a long timr to get things done, because of these Catch-22 situations they(Insurance Company, PCP, and Surgeons) put us in.
   — sbinkerd1