Question:
Has anyone sought approval from Sharp Health Care for WLS?

I don't find them listed in any of the profiles or anywhere on this site, which makes me a little nervous. I have been waiting for my Primary Care Physician to return from a long vacation before asking her for a referral, but I have heard that I may be disappointed. The open enrollment period is next month and I could change insurance companies then if it seems Sharp will really be a problem. Any ideas on which insurance company I should switch to? Which is most supportive of WLS? I am in Southern California.    — Anne G. (posted on May 11, 2000)

May 11, 2000
I have Sharp Rees-Stealy and they approved my surgery with almost no hassle. Dr. Callery does the surgeries for Sharp patients (he is FANTASTIC!!). You will need to get a referral from your PCP though.
   — Morgan B.

July 19, 2001
I HAVE HEALTHNET INSURANCE, BUT I AM WITH SHARP HEALTH CARE GROUP IN SAN DIEGO. I GOT A REFERRAL TO SEE DR. CALLERY, THE SURGEON FROM MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR, (DR. GARY MC FEETERS) THE SURGEON FEELS THAT THERE WILL BE NO PROBLEM GETTING APPROVAL SINCE I HAVE HYPERTENSION AND SEVERE SLEEP APNEA AND FIT THE PROFILE OF NEEDING TO LOSE OVER 100 LBS. ACTUALLY IT IS 200 FOR ME. THE BIGGEST THING IS THAT HEALTHNET IS NOT THE ONE WHO APPROVES ME, IT IS THE SHARP MEDICAL GROUP THAT I AM COVERED UNDER. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS THE INS. CO THAT APPROVED OR DENIED. I SHOULD HAVE APPROVAL IN JUST A FEW WEEKS. SHARP HEALTH CARE HAS APPROVED ALL TESTS, REFERRAL TO SURGEON AND ALL OTHER ITEMS ALONG THE WAY. GOOD LUCK.
   — LINDA B.