I have decided to start my lapband journey and only have 3 prerequisites before my surgery. The most difficult I believe is the letter of medical necessity. My previous PCP is no longer practicing and I have to go to a new one. I don't know how I will be able to get him to sign off if he doesn't really know me or my history. Also, I'm going the route of BMI over 40 with no comorbitiies which makes it even more complicated. Any thoughts!?

Your new PCP should have your medical history. If not, get a copy and take it to him/her. My PCP was very supportive.

Yes, just have your medical history (which he needs anyway) sent over. This way he has record of your weight through the years and can recommend the band for you.

I don't know how I would do that though if my old PCP is no longer practicing

I don't know how I would do that though if my old PCP is no longer practicing

By law, someone has to retain those records (I believe it's for 7 years). Either his former office or possibly the hospital he was affiliated with. I'd start making some phone calls.

I know some people have used other doctors they have seen as well, such as their OB/Gyn. Just a thought! Like Missy said, someone should have your records.

My surgeons office wrote my letter for me. I went through True Results in Austin and LOVE them!!

I don't know how I would do that though if my old PCP is no longer practicing

By law, your medical professional is required to archive your medical records for 7 years from the date of your office visit, regardless if they remain in active practice or not.

The state office which oversees licensure for medical professionals should have a web site to provide an address where your former physician can be contacted. This is usually the DOH (Dept. of Health) of your state. They are there to help you.

i just had to get medical records from a doctor who treated my husband 6 years ago. i called the office she used to work at and they gave me her phone number. and she had his records still. if his office has closed all together the hospital he worked at may have the records.

My insurance requires that I provide documentation of attempted weight loss in the past. I had seen a doctor and he prescribed weight loss pills 5 years ago. When I went to get those records they told me that if you are not an active patient after 5 years, they destroy your records.

I will give a call tomorrow and find out what I can do. Thanks everyone! I'm most worried however not about who has my records but if this new PCP is likely to sign off being that we have no history together/

If this new PCP isn't supportive of your healthcare needs, he/she is not the right doc for you and you need to move on and find another one. Seriously. Your doctor is there for YOU. Your health and well being is what matters and your doctor should be putting that first and if they can't or won;t, find one who will. You deserve no less.

I have decided to start my lapband journey and only have 3 prerequisites before my surgery. The most difficult I believe is the letter of medical necessity. My previous PCP is no longer practicing and I have to go to a new one. I don't know how I will be able to get him to sign off if he doesn't really know me or my history. Also' date=' I'm going the route of BMI over 40 with no comorbitiies which makes it even more complicated. Any thoughts!?[/quote']

I had the same issue mine moved to another a state. Get all your medical records to him and just tell him.

Mine had no problem and even was happy that I wanted to do it. This was in the first meeting with her I broke down and cried I was so relived.

Your taking steps to getting healthier your doctor shouldn't have issues getting behind your effort.

Also check if your insurance has a Bariatric program like mine does (Humana) that's how I broached it with her. Good luck prayers it goes well.

One last thing if they are not supportive consider switching pcp's

Thanx!! And yes luckily my insurance covers 100% except 80% dr fees. This is because I work at the hospital where it is to be performed. I only have 3 things to do before approval, the letter, psych eval, and nutrition eval. I am most worried about the letter.

Thanx!! And yes luckily my insurance covers 100% except 80% dr fees. This is because I work at the hospital where it is to be performed. I only have 3 things to do before approval' date=' the letter, psych eval, and nutrition eval. I am most worried about the letter.[/quote']

Your pcp will have a pre-OP exam (at least mine did) then since I have an prepaid policy (it blocked the three letters, weird) she write the letter after she received all my surgeon's pre-OP test results, don't worry if they are to submitted it to insurance they will know to include the letter. If it makes you feel better mention the requirement mine reassured me it will be done.