Question:
I need a letter of medical clearance from my pcp...

Is this different from a letter of medical necessity? My surgeon has only instructed me to get the clearance letter. Would that contain documentation of my co-morbidities? Should I ask for more from my pcp or just obtain what the surgeon has requested? I'm not worried about my surgeon rejecting me for surgery, just a bit concerned as to whether the insurance co will require more. Thanks all and good luck in whatever stage of your journey you happen to be in.    — Donna L. (posted on August 23, 2001)

August 24, 2001
I am pretty sure that a letter of medical necessity and a letter of medical clearance are two different things. Basically a letter of medical necessity says that you have these certain life threatening conditions and this is why you need WLS - a letter of medical clearance means that your doctor is saying that even though you have these life threatening conditions, you are healthy enough to withstand the stresses of WLS. Some people are having such a hard time that they have to loose some weight before they have the surgery.
   — K T.