Question:
Who do you consult with first?

When you are considering WLS, do you see your general doctor first and have them refer you, or do you make an appointment with a surgeon who performs WLS? My insurance company says I need a letter of medical neccessity to have them cover the surgery. Who writes this letter? Please help!    — Jamie H. (posted on September 28, 2001)

September 28, 2001
It depends where you go. For instance most of the bigger centers like BTC will handle everything to do with insurance like that letter, health histories etc, but some private surgeons may require you to do that yourself. As for consultation, you can call your insurance company and see if they require a referral. If they do, you can still go to your surgeon first for a consultation, and then have your PCP write a formal referral later. I recommend this, as then if your PCP is opposed, you will most likely be more well versed on the surgery after your consultation and have a better chance of winning your case. Good luck and keep us posted!
   — [Anonymous]