What to do if you can’t find a primary for clearance?

Thank you for your question.
I recommend talking to your plastic surgeon about your difficulties in acquiring medical clearance. They can most likely refer you to someone who can assist you.

Thank you for your question regarding what to do if you can't find your primary care doctor's surgery. Unfortunately, your primary care doctor will not clear you for surgery. There can be a multitude of reasons. However, here in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, your plastic surgeon can refer you to a private independent medical internist or a cardiologist for clearance. These private doctors confidentially see you, examine you and review your labs. If you were healthy for surgery, they would clear you for surgery. We all want you to have safe surgery. A coordinating team approach is essential. Therefore consult with your first surgeon and a team of private Internet and cardiologists to work for medical clearance. Thank you for your question regarding how to get medical support from your primary doctor.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

It’s best to communicate this to your plastic surgeon. I’m sure your plastic surgeon can call your primary care doctor to ask for this letter of clearance. If not, then he/she may know of another primary doctor that could do this for you. Best of luck!

Your surgeon should be able to give you a referral for a primary doctor you can see for medical clearance. Another option is to contact your insurance carrier for primary care physicians in your area who are accepting new patients.

Some Urgent care facilities also do clearance. Additionally, if you are young and healthy without any medical issues - discuss with your Plastic surgeon. He/She might be able to do the case with just lab work.