Although my insurance doesn't require a letter of necessity from physician the hospital where I'm having surgery does. Well I asked my ob-gyn to do it for me and he said that he doesn't do those I'll have to get with my primary care physician. Well I've only seen her once and in the past and I'm not sure if she'll even do it. Has anyone ever ran into this? Where did you get your letter of necessity from?

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I asked my ob/gyn first, she told me the same thing. My primary finally did it but took him awhile.

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Why isn't your bariatric team writing your letter for you? I would think that would be in their wheelhouse.

If not, write it yourself and take it in for your PCP to sign. That cuts red tape and time.

Strange, my bariatric surgeon brought it up 30 seconds into my pre-op that he would be more than happy to write a letter of necessity. Perhaps it may be the specific rules of your insurance.

Ask your surgeon to write a letter to your PCP outlining the reasons for the surgery, the expected benefits, and any other important information. That way, you're not walking in blind and your PCP will be more likely to recommend despite any personal bias they have toward WLS (which can occasionally be an issue as even some docs don't understand the struggles of obesity). When a doctor knows you're already seeing a surgeon who feels you're a good candidate, it helps to know you're not lone-wolfing it. Also make a list of things you have done that haven't worked, your diet history, the support group you're surrounding yourself with, all the info that will let your PCP know you are prepared for what will happen.

@@BarrySue that's a great idea

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