So… my surgery date is set for August 8th. Still there are some moving parts that have to come together for the surgery to happen. One of the requirements is for my family physician to write the letter of medical necessity. I was feeling uneasy so I telephoned my physician to make sure there were no issues. Holy Crap… he just hadn’t bothered to tell me I have to have a Pre-op Physical before he will write the letter and the earliest they can do that is August 5th. Realize I have seen him 8 times in the last 12 months! So I telephoned the surgeon’s scheduler and she said not to worry that she would submit to insurance this week anyway even though we are missing his endorsement. She doesn’t think it will be a problem. This is the first time she had run into this issue, after all I have had virtually every type exam known to medicine during the previous year! What disturbs me is the lack of information on what is required. The surgeon gave me a checklist but my family doctor left me flapping in the wind with his requirements. What a stressful process!

So… my surgery date is set for August 8th. Still there are some moving parts that have to come together for the surgery to happen. One of the requirements is for my family physician to write the letter of medical necessity. I was feeling uneasy so I telephoned my physician to make sure there were no issues. Holy Crap… he just hadn’t bothered to tell me I have to have a Pre-op Physical before he will write the letter and the earliest they can do that is August 5th. Realize I have seen him 8 times in the last 12 months! So I telephoned the surgeon’s scheduler and she said not to worry that she would submit to insurance this week anyway even though we are missing his endorsement. She doesn’t think it will be a problem. This is the first time she had run into this issue, after all I have had virtually every type exam known to medicine during the previous year! What disturbs me is the lack of information on what is required. The surgeon gave me a checklist but my family doctor left me flapping in the wind with his requirements. What a stressful process!

I had to see my cardiologist and primary with letters also before. Was nervous when I found out from surgeon that the cardiologist hadn't faxed the release to have surgery because fax number had changed , they said. well comes to find out that the bariatric clinic had already submitted my paper work and had already received an ok from insurance so my nervousness and anxiety was for nothing. What others don't realize is that this is an end of one life and a start of a new one and when you do what your supposed to you expect the doctors to do what they are. saying this to say when you surgeon's office submits you should be fine. don't worry you should be fine.

It is frustrating to be sure. We have all had some sort of hoop to jump thru... Try not to let it get you down. The end result is worth it!!

Yeah... I am a college professor and if the surgery is put off it will cause a huge headache for my dean to get substitutes to cover for my classes. I can't reschedule in December without having to start repeating test... OMG please no!

I know exactly what you are going thru !!! My general physician was totally on board with writing the letter it was like pulling teeth getting it from the staff !!!!! I even made a appointment to see him with letter in had where he could just sign. He wanted to put it in his words, etc. etc. after MANY calls they finally did it !!! Good luck !