I had an ECHO done on Sept 21, and my surgeon called me to tell me that one of the valves in my heart isn't closing all the way so I need to get cleared from a Cardiologist before I can have the surgery (I've met all other requirements) My appointment with the cardio is on Monday at 11am and they told me I had to get a referral from my PCM (Tricare Prime) for the cardiologist. I called my PCM for the referral and after the nurse talked with him, she called me back and said that he had to see me before he would write the referral. WTF! The surgeon and cardiologist and PCM are all Scott & White so he can see the results of that. I hung up with her and called the surgeon to see if they could write it and due to them being "specialty physicians" they are unable to do so. So I called my PCM back and after pleading with the receptionist who agreed with me, they talked to him and he finally agreed to write it without seeing me. I will be switching PCMs after the surgery. He doesn't agree with the LAP band so he doesn't want to make anything easy for anyone, and although they aren't allowed, the nurse/receptionist agreed with me and told me they have had several problems with that from him.

Ugh! Even though I am happy he agreed to write it, I am appalled that he would put me through hell because of a well educated decision that I have made to have this surgery. I hate him.

I don't blame you. My PCP talked me out of WLS for years. He retired and a new, proactive doctor took

his place and recommended I try the Lapband to control diabetes and other problems. I guess it

just depends on the PCP. You are probably the best judge of what you want and need, and there

are a lot of doctors around, so find one you get along with. Good luck.

What a shame that we have to our own research in order to convince doctors that the band can actually improve our health! Good luck with your cardio.

I had the same problem after my ECHO and after my stress test they found that everything was ok. I do hope the same happens for you. Good luck on your test.

I had an ECHO done on Sept 21, and my surgeon called me to tell me that one of the valves in my heart isn't closing all the way so I need to get cleared from a Cardiologist before I can have the surgery (I've met all other requirements) My appointment with the cardio is on Monday at 11am and they told me I had to get a referral from my PCM (Tricare Prime) for the cardiologist. I called my PCM for the referral and after the nurse talked with him, she called me back and said that he had to see me before he would write the referral. WTF! The surgeon and cardiologist and PCM are all Scott & White so he can see the results of that. I hung up with her and called the surgeon to see if they could write it and due to them being "specialty physicians" they are unable to do so. So I called my PCM back and after pleading with the receptionist who agreed with me, they talked to him and he finally agreed to write it without seeing me. I will be switching PCMs after the surgery. He doesn't agree with the LAP band so he doesn't want to make anything easy for anyone, and although they aren't allowed, the nurse/receptionist agreed with me and told me they have had several problems with that from him.

Ugh! Even though I am happy he agreed to write it, I am appalled that he would put me through hell because of a well educated decision that I have made to have this surgery. I hate him.

Did he see the report? If so, why would he not make the referral ASAP? Surgery or no surgery? Jeeeze!!

Way to persevere!