Letter of medical necessity?

[sleevegirl88 54]

So one of my next steps is getting my letter of medical necessity from my PCP. (keep in mind i'm self-pay so its more surgeon requires it vs insurance required) Well my doctor don't really believe in gastric bypass b/c in the past when i've mentioned it he said no and wants to slap me on more diet pills (which work for a bit but not long term). I'm worried he will say no. Has anyone else had this happen? What did you do? And did the surgeon go ahead and do the surgery anyways?

[it'sonlythefirststep 141]

Change to another dr. If your dr is not with you then he is against you. But you can always ask him.... and he says no then ask why. My pcp has been with me for over 28 yrs. they know everything i’ve Tried!!! And failed

[Chrisb428 626]

Do you see any sort of specialists for what would be considered a weight related condition such as an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist etc? Maybe they could write one?

[Frustr8 7,886]

Excellent suggestion, wish I had thought of it myself! Here's your🏆 trophy '-my friend!

[abefroman329 704]

I’m sure your surgeon could recommend a primary care doctor who would write one, if necessary. Mine wrote one for me, no questions asked.

[sleevegirl88 54]

13 hours ago, Chrisb428 said:

Do you see any sort of specialists for what would be considered a weight related condition such as an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist etc? Maybe they could write one?

I see a cardiologist who was the one to initially recommend it. So that may be a possibility. Thanks

[sleevegirl88 54]

10 hours ago, abefroman329 said:

I’m sure your surgeon could recommend a primary care doctor who would write one, if necessary. Mine wrote one for me, no questions asked.

Thanks! Good idea!

[sleevegirl88 54]

15 hours ago, it'sonlythefirststep said:

Change to another dr. If your dr is not with you then he is against you. But you can always ask him.... and he says no then ask why. My pcp has been with me for over 28 yrs. they know everything i’ve Tried!!! And failed

True, My appointment is Wednesday so hopefully (fingers crossed) he will write it

[SummerEssence 130]

I agree with itsonly if the PCP gives you a problem switch it’s your body and your life and I don’t think you should have to suffer or get illnesses to get what you need because of his personal opinion.

[The Preacher 161]

It's simple, find yourself an other Doctor!

[Chrisb428 626]

1 hour ago, sleevegirl88 said:

I see a cardiologist who was the one to initially recommend it. So that may be a possibility. Thanks

My endocrinologist is the one who got me started.

[sleevegirl88 54]

3 minutes ago, Chrisb428 said:

My endocrinologist is the one who got me started.

Ill contact my surgeon if my pcp flat out refuses.

[Chrisb428 626]

If I was you, I would still try and explain to your PCP how important this is to you and that you don't want a quick temporary fix but a tool that can help you manage your weight forever. Let him/her know that if your views are that different that you think it might be best to find someone else. At the end of the day they work for you. Unless there is a good solid medical reason that you shouldnt have it, then switch. Do you meet the 40 bmi criteria or 35 with comorbidities?

[sleevegirl88 54]

2 hours ago, Chrisb428 said:

If I was you, I would still try and explain to your PCP how important this is to you and that you don't want a quick temporary fix but a tool that can help you manage your weight forever. Let him/her know that if your views are that different that you think it might be best to find someone else. At the end of the day they work for you. Unless there is a good solid medical reason that you shouldnt have it, then switch. Do you meet the 40 bmi criteria or 35 with comorbidities?

Yep, bmi is 40 and on meds for BP, Cholesterol, and thyroid. have tried several diets in past already and have shown him documentation for those plus he has had me on several diet pills before that didn't work but he keeps wanting me to try new diet pills and im tired of constantly being on those meds. My Vitamins im fine with but the side effects of the diet pills always make me dizzy and nauseous. i saw my cardiologist who did an echo back in june and he said it showed where the walls of my heart are thickening due to thyroid/BP and he recommended me having surgery. he said he has seen great success in patients with it helping their hearts be healthier in the long run. However my PCP is always about shoving meds down peoples throats kind of thing :/

[Chrisb428 626]

Wow, yeah... No matter what happens (even if you do manage to get him to write a letter) Iwould switch once you are finished with this process. I hope you get everything worked out, please let us know how it goes!