Question:
What do I do next??????? Getting no answers
I have been calling Kaiser for week's on end with no answers yet. One Dr. says shes not in the loop anymore because I dont want to take her weight management class, and my PCP keeps saying she is waiting for some form.. I dont know what to do next. Every time I call no one seems to know what to do next. I dont want to give up, but I feel they have won. — Amy M. (posted on August 9, 2001)
August 9, 2001
Be persistent.. keep calling or go in and talk w/ customer service if you
can.
— Dawn R.
August 9, 2001
Kaiser has very specific rules and regs for being referred for this
surgery. I had to take the 10-week Healthy Lifestyles and Weight
Management classes BEFORE my PCP would even refer me. In the interim of
taking the classes for 2.5 months I found out I had sleep apnea. At that
point my PCP was all for referring me because I now had a documented
life-threatening co-morbidity. Request the Gastric Bypass surgery booklet
from Kaiser Health Education. It tells you exactly what you need to do and
what the requirements for referral are. If you're not getting any answers
from your PCP, contact Kaiser Member Services and complain about it. Do
not give up! You can read my profile and see exactly what I've done so
far. My file is at the review committee at this time and the bariatric
surgery rep. said I should have my answer in 2 or 3 weeks. It has been
very frustrating and it's a long road, but again, you have to stick to it
if it's something you really want. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
August 9, 2001
Hello Amy, I would first like to suggest that you
go ahead and sign up for the 10-week weight Management Class,
this way you can speed-up the process. I was going to
refuse at first,however I thought I should go along with
my PCP and follow her directions. I am currently halfway
through the classes, and as this past Monday, So. San
Francisco has received my referral, so I am now
waiting for an approval. Go ahead and pick up the booklet
that they have in health education, not only must you
educate yourself on the surgery, but also on the requirements
of your insurance company. I am very pleased to say that
it only taken two months total after seeing my PCP, taking
all the necessary test to have my referral sent to
So. San Francisco. I would also like to mention that my
PCP did an excellent job in preparing my paperwork,
everything that the commmittee required was included, no
going back and forth. Try working with your PCP, share
information that you have learned with them. May I suggest
that you pick up an extra booklet for your PCP, make an appt.
and share what you have learned about the surgery with your
provider, try to get him/her on your side. I know that it
seems like a lot, however it is such a small price to pay
to get what you want.I will try e-mailing you so that I can
share information on how you can make this process go much
faster. In the meantime, go ahead with the 10-week weight
loss class.
— [Anonymous]
August 23, 2001
Hello Amy, I was approved back in May, still waiting to get a surgery date,
but if you can type up every diet you have ever tryed,and the dates and
amount lost and how much gained back the weight management classes are not
required. If you have any questions about this call Mirina Birman at south
S.F kaiser bariatric surgery center. Her number is
(650)742-3214. She is on the committee, all referrals go before her first,
before they go to committee, to make sure all paperwork is complete. I
would call her with all questions. She was a god send to me when I was
going through the year of waiting. Remember to be patient, and never give
up.
— [Anonymous]
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