I am having a problem finding a general (GP) doctor who will assist me on my journey to get a Lap Band. I plan on using Dr. Billy for the Lap Band surgery. In the meantime, I need documentation to provide to Blue Cross of California and Blue Shield of California that this surgery is medically necessary so that insurance will cover the surgery. I will need (and will go through) six months of documentation that a doctor is supervising a weight loss program for me

Anyone know a general doctor that I could use that is local to the Santa Clarita area?

Thanks for any assistance,

Cindy

Any PCP should be happy to do this for a patient. Have you tried finding another one in your network?

Hi Cindy

Don't think I can help with your GP search but want to wish you the best... with Blue Cross!

There's lots of Calis here..:bump:I'm north of you

Not sure about this but can't dr. Billy document the 6 month supervision of weight loss and use him as PCP? Am I mistaken in that?

If you can't then I have a great person I see but he is in the Van Nuys (which is where I live by the way.) LOL!!

He is my PCP and who I was seeing pre band when my blood pressure elevated. I still see him and he is great.

Not sure about this but can't dr. Billy document the 6 month supervision of weight loss and use him as PCP? Am I mistaken in that?

If you can't then I have a great person I see but he is in the Van Nuys (which is where I live by the way.) LOL!!

He is my PCP and who I was seeing pre band when my blood pressure elevated. I still see him and he is great.

Dear Penni,

Can I trouble you for your doctor's name and phone number? Will he support me with documentation to get my Band? I recognize that you went to Mexico for Banding. Well...Van Nuys, CA is better than Ventura, CA! I still prefer Santa Clarita area but I am not willing to try out a whole bunch of doctors who are negative about the Band locally.

Congradulations on your continuing weight loss.

Cindy

My doctor was really cool about the band when I told him I was getting it done. He seemed really interested in the nuances of it. His office is about three blocks from my house. So if you decide to use him then let me know when you have an appt and if I am not out of town then I would love to take you to lunch or something.

His name is Balbir Singh, MD (pronounced SING)-He is an internist and deals mainly with high blood pressure patients. I go to see him for everything though. He is wonderful and the staff is sweet.

His office is located at

14624 Sherman Way

Suite # 309

Van Nuys, CA 91405

His phone number is

818-988-2190

His office nurse is Clara

If she is not there talk to Carmen

Cindy - Congratulations on your excellent choice of surgeons! Dr. Billy banded me on 12-22-05 in Tahoe and I cannot say enough about him. I also have Blue Shield and was told that banding simply is not covered at all.....but maybe you have Blue Cross?? I actually went to Dr. Billy before I discussed getting the band with my general doctor. He will tell you everything that you need to do - the dietician, therapist, stress test, etc. The prescription for blood tests can be taken to any lab. The only thing my general doctor did was the stress test and the final clearance for surgery. But you are in good hands...Dr. Billy is so knowledgeable and caring. I'll be seeing him January 28...maybe for a fill, we'll see. Good luck! Kim