PCP Referral - ThinnerTimes

susie · 11-04-2004, 08:29 PM

HI!
I am new to the boards and I have a quick question....
I have done my research and have gathered the materials that I need for the bariatric surgeon (medical records & diet history) and I am ready to take the next step and make my appointment. I am ready physically and mentally. The only difficult part is that I need to get my PCP to make a referral for me. I have worked with him on a diet/exercise program, which has made a 5 pound weight loss in the last couple of months, of which I know will be back (I know, wrong attitude, but when you've done it so many times..). I am just not sure how to approach him and getting him to give me the referral. He is a die-hard diet/exercise gru, so I am afraid that he won't take me seriously or not want to give me the referral. I definitely need one for my Blue Cross to pay for it. Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it. I really enjoy reading all of the posts and thanks for your input!

Thanks in advance,
Susie

watergirl · 11-05-2004, 06:02 AM

Welcome to the foum. We're glad you're here! PCP, the only bad question was the one that wasn't asked. There is no harm in asking. Don't wait! Once you get the PCP's answer, you'll know where you stand. Your options are to work with that PCP or find another that will be pro Weight Loss Surgery (WLS).

I wish you all the best in your journey.

lealphachienne · 11-06-2004, 04:59 PM

Go for it! Changing PCPs may not help as I found out that a new PCP can't submit notes from previous PCPs, so all that history may be lost if you've been with him for a long time. (unless you submit notes yourself to the insurance, but it's a stronger case when it comes directly from the MD) Present to him all of your research and your commintment about the decision. Speak about it in matter of fact terms and with conviction, but not emotion.

Blueyz · 11-06-2004, 05:10 PM

My PCP was against the surgery. I self-referred myself to an endocrinologist who recommended the surgery. He was my advocate. After I was approved, I took my labs back to my PCP and he had to concur with the lab requests from Dr. Callery. Since I had the surgery, my PCP has changed his attitude toward wls. He is ok with me now. I think he just wasn't educated enough with wls. Good luck with your quest for surgery. Stay strong and let your PCP know how ready and serious you are and maybe your PCP will approve.

fairydust · 11-06-2004, 05:46 PM

Welcome to the group,
I tip-toed around it with my PCP for a long time... and when I asked him.. he said FINALLY.. and give mine to me without a problem... I do hope you do not have a problem with yours, but I would explain how you feel with ur doctor and let him know you have weighed the pros and cons, and the diet and exercise thing is just not enough...
Good Luck.

susie · 11-06-2004, 08:33 PM

Thanks so much for the advice. Tiptoed is the perfect word... I have been doing that for awhile now and I know I just need to do it and let him know I am committed. I just need my backbone with me. =)

fairydust · 11-07-2004, 11:05 AM

Only you can stand up for what you believe will work for you.. you know you body better then anyone... and I wish you lost of luck.. and success in ur journey