Joanne K.

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

I just got off the phone with BCBS and still no answer.  Of course they said Friday at the earliest, which would have been today, but hopefully next week.  I need a dose of patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I spoke with my BCBS on Monday and they told me that they had all of the paperwork and it was in review.  They also said that I would not hear any sooner than Friday, which is tomorrow.  Of course that means that is could take longer!  It is a good thing that I am very busy between home and work right now so that I don't have time think too much about it.

Was supposed to have my appointment with the cardiologist today for surgical clearance, however the doctor had an emergency and it was rescheduled to 4/24. 

Well all of my paperwork was delivered to my surgeon's office today and my insurance paperwork was filed today.  Now all I have to do is be patient and wait!

My pcp called me back on Tuesday evening.  He has now sent everything but my surgical clearance letter.  I have an appointment with him tomorrow and then he is supposed to complete that.  I also have an appointment tomorrow with a gastroenterologist.  I have to have an endoscopy prior to surgery.  So hopefully that will be scheduled
after my appointment tomorrow.  This is the one test that I am reading!  I know I'll get over it, but I will definitely be glad when it is done.

I called the surgeon's office to see if my pcp's nurse called to find out
what was needed for the letter from him (pcp) and if by chance they had received it.  Well the nurse did call to ask what was needed and proceeded to say that I had not been a patient of their office for that long.  AHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!
When I spoke with my pcp, I mentioned the 5 year information that was needed and he told me that he would use the records from my previous pcp.  His nurse was also aware of this.  Why does everything have to be so complicated?  The only reason I switched pcp's was because my previous pcp went to an HMO only and no longer
would accept my insurance.(BCBS)  OMG I miss my previous pcp!  His office was organized and didn't drive you nuts.  (Of course right now for me it seems to not be a far drive! :-) )  
I called my pcp office and left a message on their "question" line, asking to speak directly to him.  Hopefully he will call me today.  If not, I'm sure that on Friday when I have my appointment with my pcp, he will get an earful from me.  What I don't understand is when I went to speak with him 3 weeks ago, he was so infavor of the surgery and asked if I wanted to have it within the month.  How can I even file papers to get or hope to get insurance approval if he won't do his part?  A rhetorical question of course! 

Today I had an appointment with Dr. Birkedal and my DH came with me.  He explained the procedure and spent a lot of time answering both of our questions.  I feel that I have definitely made the right choice in surgeons.  He is easy to talk with and neither of us felt rushed. 

My pcp has not provided the letter and other medical information that is needed to file for insurance approval, so after my appointment I went over to his office to speak with his nurse.  She said that she would contact Dr. Birkedal's office and get my pcp to get the information together and sent over.  My next appointment with my pcp is 3/31, hopefully he will have it all together before then! 

Last Thursday I had an appointment with my pcp.  He was very supportive of me having WLS.  He said he would write the letter of history and medical necessity.  Next Monday I have another appointment with my surgeon.  Hopefully all of my insurance
paperwork will be ready to be filed.  Patience has never been my strong suite but I am trying to exercise what little I have!

This evening I went to my first support group dinner.  The people were wonderful!  They really made me feel comfortable.  I have never been a shy person but was so reluctant to go, thankfully that fear was unfounded.

One of the other doctors here in town that perform WLS held his informational seminar this evening.  My DH and I attended.  I want to be certain I am choosing the best surgeon for me.  I spoke with the nurse after the session and asked about support groups.  She gave me the email address of the woman that organizes one of the local
WLS support groups.  I am going to email her to find out more about the group.

I had my appointment with Dr. Birkedal today.  He was very kind and very helpful.  He definitely feels that I am a good candidate for WLS and wants me to bring my DH on my next appointment.  He is sending me for a chest X-ray and labs and to a cardiologist for surgical clearance.  He will work with my PCP to get the other necessary paperwork.