PCP, no referral, no surgery???

[\Mara/ 11]

My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because, she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks

[Alig02 30]

Go to a new doctor

[\Mara/ 11]

Yea, I was thinking in that...its no easy with my medical conditions, but I have to do it!

[cheryl2586 3,053]

You pcp has to write a letter of medical necessity if they dont then the surgeon can not do anything about it unless you are self pay then you dont need all those hoops.

[arcarter 9]

It depends on your insurance as to whether or not you need a referral. My pcp didnt want me to do it either. As far as needing pcp help i didnt. I seen the wls every month so i didnt need to see my pcp. Goodluck !

[babykins529 189]

My insurance required a letter of necessity from my pcp prior to approval. I had many hoops to jump through for my insurance. Wish you the best.

[Banderina 69]

I never went to my pcp. I went straight to the surgeon i wanted. I didnt have any medical conditions but my bmi was 41. The only thing they got from my pcp was a 5yr wt. history..I had bcbs at the time and surgery got approved based on bmi.

[forensic6 89]

My insurance didn't require PCP referral but my surgeon required that my PCP would sign off (of course i didn't learn this until 6 months had passed and I was 3 weeks before surgery. My PCP made me do a couple of more tests than my surgeon, they were relevant and showed me again that my PCP had my best interests at heart and I passed without any issues.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Your pcp will still have to clear you for surgery though

[\Mara/ 11]

My insurance dont required a pcp for the surgeon appointment, but I think I will be need a letter of necessity or medical necessity of my pcp....

[\Mara/ 11]

My insurance dont required a pcp for the surgeon appointment' date=' but I think I will be need a letter of necessity or medical necessity of my pcp....[/quote']

Yes....I change my pcp dr, I hope the new one help me and be better...

[utkscvol1 125]

My pcp doesn't want to give me a referral to my bariatric surgeon because' date=' she doesn't like the WLS !!, she told me isn't a good idea because she see a lot of people with complications , problems more with lap bands.... I was speechless, I took my decision after reading, research, and with the help of this forum, and I choose the lap band surgery, I know I'm a good candidate and now what??? She just referred me to a Weight Loss Program in her hospital.... , I can attend my first visit with my surgeon this week because I dont need a referral, but I think I need later my pcp help right? Any experience or help is appreciate... Thanks [/quote']

I was in the same boat. My Pcp wanted me to go to a local pharmacy and pay$400 a month for some Protein diet the pharmacist came up with. I called my wls office and they put me in touch with several docs who were willing to write one. I really like the one I have been seeing over the past 6 months!

[\Mara/ 11]

I was in the same boat. My Pcp wanted me to go to a local pharmacy and pay400 a month for some Protein diet the pharmacist came up with. I called my wls office and they put me in touch with several docs who were willing to write one. I really like the one I have been seeing over the past 6 months!

Good luck@ keep in touch!