Roadblocks

Feb 28, 2012

I know that my insurance is going to require a six month physician supervised period before approving the surgery. I tried to make this month count. I made an appointment with Dr. Kimberly Maroney specifically for this.  My appointment was yesterday afternoon.  I was devastated when she basically refused.  I explained to her that the requirement is that my weight and vital signs are noted and that diet and exercised are also discussed in some form or fashion and notated as well in the notes. That is all. It doesn't have to be a full class or anything. Just proof that it is addressed monthly. She kept appologizing and saying that she wasn't "set up for that".  She referred me to weight watchers. That is not physician supervised.

Today I called Dr. Craig Chang's office today to speak with them about this. They went over the requirement as listed by my insurance and it is just as I explained it above. I called Dr. Maroney's office back. I explained once again and was taken aback when the receptionist stated, "Well she referred you to Weight Watchers didn't she?"  I said yes, and clarified that by advising me of my target caloric intake as she did, and that exercise is important, that the requirement was met since weight and vitals are documented as well. She seemed annoyed by me and said fine, she would do a "case" or something and quickly tried to get me off the phone.  I stopped her and said, "Wait. How will I know the outcome?" She said, "Well, I'm sure someone will call you back."  She said it the way that someone would say, "well, duh!"  As one can imagine, I feel as though I've been punched in the stomach.  If I must, I suppose I will switch doctors. Sounds like they are going to be more of a roadblock than anything else. 

I'm disappointed that my doctor, who I trusted with this issue and who should have my best health interests in mind would try to avoid helping me. Their office is the one that gave me the referral to start with. I'm puzzled.

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