Hi All. I have been lurking and reading for sometime now but finally registered today. What a great group of people! :biggrin1:

I was asked by my surgeon's office today to get a "note from my PCP stating she has seen me for at least the past year regarding morbid obesity."

Has anyone else been asked to provide something like this? This note and proof that I've been overweight for at least 3 years is all that is keeping me from insurance approval.

Has anyone else had to provide anything along these lines? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Here is a sample letter I gave doctor but he redid it in his own format:

(Date)

RE: (Patient’s Name)

(Date of Birth)

Dear Dr. XXXX:

Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Name of Patient) has been a patient of mine for ___ years. The patient is (height) and weighs (weight in lbs.) with a BMI of ____. The patient has been excessively overweight for (period of time) and having attempted and been unsuccessful at many different methods of weight loss, would certainly benefit from Bariatric surgery.

In addition to morbid obesity, the patient is suffering from the following co-morbid conditions: (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, ASHD, exertional dyspnea, urinary incontinence, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, PVD, shortness of breath, etc.)

**The patient has tried many methods of weight loss including diet pills (SPECIFIC DATES & LENGTH OF TIME) with (# of pounds lost and whether it was regained or not), Physician administered diets for (SPECIFIC DATES & LENGTH OF TIME) with (# of pounds lost and whether it was regained or not), etc. The patient is limited due to his/her co-morbidities in the ability to exercise but has tried (LIST ALL ATTEMPTS AND AN SUCCESSES OR REGAINING OF WEIGHT).

Family medical history is positive for (e.g. Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, etc.)

I feel that my patient would benefit greatly from bariatric surgery as a tool to help lose the excess weight, lessen the co-morbidities and regain a more healthful life.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

Thanks Ant!

I am just getting started and was advised that I would need a letter from my PCP. I just called and asked for one. With no hesitation one was writen.

Shouldnt be a problem getting one done but like my doctor, he said he never did one before and told me the surgeon should be able to take care of it... but once I gave him sample letter of what is needed, he got it done within a day and faxed copy to surgeon and a copy to me.