Will My Doctor Refer Me For Lap-Band?

[Scooterbug 13]

well just an update on my situation!

went to my doctors appointment today, and he want to get me with a dietician...he says my insurance wont cover the lap band?

which isnt true, because i called my insurance before seeing my doc and asked them about the Lap Band...and they said they will cover whatever is deemed medically necessary!! so it looks as though my doc is the type that is against the surgery?

when i told him what the insurance said, he just said again they wont cover it.

my BMI is worse than i thought too--- 61.7

question:

Do doctors get penalized or something by recommending the lap band? or is my doc just a health nut, against the surgery???

thanks!

My suggestion is... if you haven't already, attend a seminar of the Lap band doctor your choice. After the seminar they usually have the insurance coordinator there and a few other staff members to answer question. Explain to them you would like the name of a PCP who they deal with on a regular basis concerning Lap Band. They should be able to hook you up with at least a few PCP docs who you can see. If the Lap Band surgeon's office deals with these PCP docs, they should have no problem recommending you for Lap Band.

[efizzle34 0]

thanks all, for the advice...

[ccsbulldog 59]

Initially my doctor would not support my decision for lap band. I started the process without his approval and when it came down to it and I had to call him, because he was going to get my test results, I called and told the nurse that I was going to get the lap band but needed a letter of support from the dr. I explained that he had said no, but if he could not support my decision and write the letter, I would need to know because I would look for another doctor. Later that day I got a call saying my dr would write a letter of support but he would need to see me. So, my point is you may have to advocate hard for yourself and do not take no for an answer. Good luck.