Letter from PCP

[MsB7 64]

I went to see my PCP today and asked for the recommendation and support letter for Bariatric surgery. She looked extremely confused:( this made me nervous. I told her that I am looking to have the surgery done and that I have already started the 6 month program. She said ok but asked why do I need a letter and what is she supposed to say. Luckily I took the sample letter with me. She then copied it and said I will get the letter to them when I get a chance... I'm confused but glad that she said she would... Also we reviewed my blood work..Vitamin D is low and I have High Cholesterol but not enough for meds yet.

[Mzdiggs 169]

Had you ever discussed it with her? I know my PCP and I had spoken of it about 13 years ago at that time her nor I felt it was something I wanted to do. But went I brought it up this time we both felt now was the time based on the fact that my medical issue were not changing.

[MsB7 64]

This was my 2nd visit to this PCP but my actual 1st visit with just her. The initial visit she had a resident take my history information. I did tell her about weightloss attempts and that I was considering Bariatric surgery however I don't think that the resident put any of that information in my chart. But I'm confused about the PCP being confused on how to write the letter etc. She seemed to be on the same page and agreeing how WLS can help me all until I said Letter.

[jj7481 363]

Does your insurance require a recommendation from your PCP? Mine didn't. In fact, when I told my PCP I was going to have surgery she gave me a recommendation as to whom she had interaction with, but no letter was needed.

The problem I ran into is her preferred hospital wasn't my insurance preferred surgical center.

[newmebithebypass 713]

according to my surgeon my pcp sends a lot of his pts there and getting a letter wont be difficult my insurance and surgeon require this letter. but i am getting super close to getting my date next month is 6/7 and then all i have to do i get blood work chest x-ray and get my ekg to my surgeon

[MsB7 64]

My insurance and the Bariatric office requires the letter. I really hope that she can get the letter done and the right way as soon as possible. I still have to complete the 6 months which I started on 1/21.

[RNYDawn 160]

I had to get the PCP letter too. Considering I had used Patient First as my PCP for about 8 years, I was a little nervous!

My surgeon's office referred me to a wonderful PCP that is right down the street from me and I made an appointment with them before my insurance clock started ticking. I got a flu shot had them do my EKG, talked to the doctor about my attempts at weight loss and said that I was in the beginning stages of the weight loss surgery process. I said that I'd need a letter of recommendation from her if she was comfortable but understood if she wanted to see me more before she wrote it. She laughed and said she'd do whatever I needed. She had to do the recommendation letter as well as a medical clearance letter right before my approval was submitted.

[MsB7 64]

I did tell her that I would need another letter for clearing me for surgery. It just seems like this PCP is not familiar with the WLS process

[Rainy Days 73]

I imagine her confusion was due to the different requirements in insurance companies and surgeons. My surgeon required me to see my PCP and get my height/weight stats faxed to them prior to scheduling my initial appointment. My PCP was confused about only needing the stats, and she wanted to write up a whole essay on why I needed the surgery. haha

[MsB7 64]

@@Rainy Days it seems that every insurance company is different and some can have the same company but live in a different state which would make requirements different as well. Lol

[Apple's1018 7]

My insurance didn't require a pcp letter. I didn't need a referral.

[MsB7 64]

@@Apple's1018 that's awesome

[barney09 1]

It's called a medical necessity letter. Most docs will write one with no problem.. my PCP charged me 18 bucks tho...