The Journey Begins

Welcome!

I have a little knowledge but each system is different. I work with a group of primary care pysicians, and typically on the first visit it's a "get to know you" session but if you made the appointment with the intentions of discussing your weight, they may give you the referral. Otherwise, if you've been established long enough with your GYN (since they were the one suggesting it) I would give their office a call and just explain that you would like a referral from them since you're just getting set up with a PCP and want to get this done sooner rather than later.

My insurance does not require a referral from my PCP but later in the process, before approving coverage they did require a letter of clearance from my PCP. On my first doctor visit I filled out a lot of forms to identify current medical conditions, doctors, medication etc. After providing the details I was evaluated for qualification. This was not qualification for insurance coverage but for medical need. The insurance coverage comes much later (after required doctors visits, tests, studies, etc).

If it is your insurance company that requires the referral you might check if they will accept a referral from your GYN. I have not heard of a doctor requiring a referral, but you can check to see if they will accept the referral from your GYN if that is the case. Like Jen said, the first visit is mostly a "get to know you" appointment.

Good luck to you!

Thank you Jen & Debbie so much for answering my first blog. Jen that is very good advice on what to tell my GYN doctor and I will be making both calls in the morning. One to him and another one to set up a PCP, which let's face it I should of had anyway.

Debbie, I know it was shocking when the welcome package had a list of everything that was needed for the first appointment with the surgeon and first on the list was the referral letter. Maybe they want to see if we are serious about the surgery, I don't know.

Even if I have to wait I will not get detered because this is what I want and we all know Rome wasn't build in a day.