| blue cross blue shield |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
blue cross blue shield |
| Insurer Status | |
| Policy |
Don't know |
| Source |
Jasmine G |
| AAG, Inc. |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
AAG, Inc. (NMHC RX) |
| Insurer Status | First letter sent - still waiting (11/19/01) |
| MD-supervised programs |
7 (283 weeks) |
| Source |
David C |
| ABS Cofinity |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
ABS Cofinity (Central Care) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (7/2/08) |
| Surgery Type |
Laparoscopic Lap Band |
| Weeks to approval |
21 |
| Comorbidities |
Arthritis |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Source |
Shawn M |
| Access Health |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
Access Health |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (11/29/05) |
| Comorbidities |
Arthritis, Depression, Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, Sleep apnea |
| Source |
Elizabeth V |
| Access Medical |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
Access Medical |
| Insurer Status | Denied after first letter (02/12/04) |
| Surgery Type |
Laparoscopic RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
39.3 |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (46 weeks) |
| Source |
Martha S |
| ACEC Health |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
ACEC Health (PHCS) |
| Insurer Status | Denied after first letter (07/21/05) |
| Comorbidities |
sleep apnea, arthritis is the biggest problem (hard time walking...in lots of pain) |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
Received a denial letter about ten days ago, said it was an exclusion in their policy. Gave me information to appeal their decision. Sending information for the appeal was confusing, we ended up sending it to the wrong address. Consequently, have reissued another packet to the address they specified in Las Vegas. That was on Thursday, today is Thursday the following week and they say they haven't received it. I'm frustrated because I think they are giving me the run around. Not feeling very positive about the situation. However, they did say once they receive the information, it will tkae 7-10 business days to hear back. Of course, that's what they said last time and it was about twice that long. Will just have to be persistant. I would like to know if anyone else has this insurance company and what their results have been. |
| Source |
Diane W |
| Acordia |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
Acordia |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (07/20/04) |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
It was great..no hassel at all. I did not have a letter from my pcp or a huge detialed
diet history. I also do not have any co-morbidities..yet. I have been severly overwight all my life and I do have documentation going back to when I was 4 months old. They responded without me bugging them. Accordia was wonderful! :) |
| Source |
Kara P |
| ACORDIA NATIONAL |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
ACORDIA NATIONAL (PPOM) |
| Insurer Status | Denied after first letter (04/14/05) |
| Comorbidities |
DIABETES, SLEEP APNEA, HYPERTENSIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY |
| Policy |
Written exclusion policy |
| Comments |
It has been a nightmare. The insurance company (Accordia National) told me that W.W.Williams was a self insured company and that there was a exclusion policy for anything that had to do with obesity. I contacted W.W.Williams and they needed a letter of medical necessity from my pcp. I obtained and submitted that. Still nothing. So I contacted Acordia again they told me I needed to just deal with them......ok....so I called Barix Clinic. Jane from Barix called me back said Acordia told them it was a written exclusion.....so another dead end. I have since e mailed W.W.Williams and they have told me that it is under review with their board of trustees and with Acordia. They have said they can't promise me anything so once again I am waiting. IF ANYONE HAS BEEN THRU THIS FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW IF IT CAN BE RULED IN YOUR FAVOR :) ladyjanieklv@aol.com ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. |
| Source |
Kathy V |
| Activa |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
Activa (PPOM) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after 2nd appeal letter (11/10/05) |
| Surgery Type |
Laparoscopic RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
52.3 |
| Comorbidities |
Arthritis, GERD, Hypercholesterolemia, Shortness of breath |
| Policy |
Written exclusion policy |
| Source |
Ann S |
| aenta |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
aenta |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (05/03/05) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Source |
Nicole M |
| Aetna |
|---|
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (one month after sent) |
| Comments |
They were awesome, first letter sent and approved right away! |
| Source |
Colleen S |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (MC) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (03/23/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open Duodenal Switch |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
62.3 |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (140 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
elevated blood pressure, artheritis in knees, stress incontenence, irregular heart beat, |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
I first approached them 3 years ago and
requested the surgery at which time they
denied it and had me enroll in a medically
supervised weight loss program. I was sent to
see a dietitian at Henry Ford Med.Center.
I went there for 2 1/2 years and was
unsuccesful even though the dietitian was
extremely good.
this time when I approached them they approved
me in about 6 days.
I RAN INTO SOME COMPLICATIONS WITH THE HOSPITAL
BUT MY INSURANCE STOOD BY ME AND MADE SOME
ADJUSTMENTS THAT WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER FOR
THE HOSPITAL TO DO THE SURGERY. THEY WERE GREAT
ABOUT THE WHOLE THING.
|
| Source |
Jonnie K |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (02/13/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY - proximal |
| Comorbidities |
HTN, stress incontinence, asthma, hip/knee/ankle pain, headaches, neuropathy in feet, umbilical hern |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
8/15/00 Was working on my appeal for BCN when husband's open enrollment came up at work. I researched this site and of the choices given to us, Aetna seems to be the most "surgery-friendly". In fact, a co-worker of my husband's is having the surgery in mid-November.
11/18/00 Well, I switched to Aetna. It went into effect 9/1/00. Now I'm working on approval with them. They have requested only a letter of medical necessity and the dreaded "proof of physician supervised weightloss attempts". So, I have ordered my records from my old family doctor and will put together a nice package. May take a few weeks to get the old records. Hopefully, will have it for them in about 3 weeks.
02/07/01 It's a long story..but my paperwork was finally sent to Aetna today. I'm hoping to hear I am approved soon ;) Just an approval would be nice.
02/18/01 I'M APPROVED!!!! Only took them 6 days. And there is a weekend in there! I was approved on the 13th. Found out Valentine's Day. Happy ME!
|
| Source |
Nicole P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (10/19/99) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY - proximal |
| Weeks to approval |
4+ |
| Pre-Op BMI |
44.5 |
| Comorbidities |
Very minor co-morbidities, lower back pain, heel/ankle discomfort. Strong family history of high blo |
| Comments |
You really have to find someone that's willing to work with you and knows their job. I spoke to so many different people at Aetna, it became a mess. I finally asked to speak to a supervisor and was able to get somewhere, however not before I had to go through the "appeal" department because of Aetna's inability to communicate. I am happy with the final outcome and commend the people that I did work with. |
| Source |
L M |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (11/20/99) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
10 |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (12 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
sleep apnea and hypertension |
| Comments |
Aetna requested doctor supervised "diets" that I have tryed. I got my approval about two weeks later and am sooo ready to be post-op!!! I am very happy that the insurance company didn't make it too difficult. They didn't require a psych evaluation. All that was asked of me was the medical records with proof I had made attempts to loose weight. So far I am VERY happy with Aetna!!! |
| Source |
Judy K |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (2/11/98) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY - distal |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Comorbidities |
Asthma, Infetility |
| Source |
Julie H |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (01/19/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
3 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
Aetna has been wonderfull. Everything has been approved and I have not had any problems. With them so far. |
| Source |
Debra H |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | First letter sent - still waiting (02/13/00) |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (24 weeks) |
| Source |
Tammy G |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | First letter sent - still waiting (03/09/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open Other |
| Pre-Op BMI |
46.9 |
| Comorbidities |
GERD, sleep apnea, arthritis, hypertension, |
| Policy |
Don't know |
| Comments |
Still waiting for a response |
| Source |
Cathi D |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (hmo) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (09/22/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| MD-supervised programs |
3 (28 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, PCOS, and chronic back pain. |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
Aetna was great actually. Once I actually got the doctors office to submit my paperwork to the correct office it took less than a week for approval.
At first my paperwork was sent to the wrong office and it sat there for 3 weeks before anyone noticed. It was then submitted to the correct office and they reviewed it for 30 days. After 30 days they asked for a letter from me explaining my previous medically supervised weight loss attempts.
The surgeons office sat on the paperwork for 3 weeks and then submitted it to Aetna, finally 3 days later I had an approval. I guess that is what happens when offices are understaffed. Oh well, at least the outcome was worth the wait.
I would recommed Aetna to anyone looking for the approval they were pretty wonderful to me. |
| Source |
Pam R |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (Managed Choice POS) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (05/11/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
8 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
52.8 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
Although slower than I would have liked (8 weeks from 1st letter), I am very happy that this is a covered benefit. Have since learned that others with the same insurance (1 from my employer) are being approved much quicker - 1 week.
|
| Source |
Marie H |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (Managed Choice) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (I do not remember) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
8 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
53.0 |
| Comorbidities |
4 knee surgeries, hypoglycemia, swelling of legs and ankles |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
First you want to have you PCP contact them and
get it ok'd to go out of network. Then make sure
you have every medical file you can get your hands
on, even if you think it may not be related. I did not
deal with them directly, BTC handled that for me.
I know they claimed they did not receive the information
the first time and we had to send it again. They
then called for more information, which the BTC already
had in my records, so they just sent what was needed.
I was persistent with BTC, I am not sure if they were
with my insurance, but it satisfied me. It made me
feel like I was in some control. Make sure you get
the permission to go out of network and make sure you
get the referals. I have paid maybe $100.00 so
far. |
| Source |
Mary Jo K |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (pos) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (12/29/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
7 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
48.8 |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (5 weeks) |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
It felt like it took them forever to make a decision. The first time I called, they told me that the paper work was sent to the wrong place, so that delayed them. Jean at Aetna was wonderful, I spoke to her atleast once a week, she fianlly told me on the 29th, that the next time she wanted to hear from me was after I had my surgery, because she would like to know how I'm doing. That's when I knew this was really going to happen. I'm not sure that me calling so much really helped, but I feel that Jean didn't just think of me as pieces of paper, because she got to know me as a person. |
| Source |
Claudia C |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (October) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
55.5 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
After being turned down to have surgery at BTC by BCBS Perferred Plus, I tried Aetna and it was approved that week! YEAH! |
| Source |
J |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (mc) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (01-2004) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
4 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
68.9 |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (40 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
sleep apnea |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Source |
Niurka D |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (01/29/01) |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (50 weeks) |
| Source |
Donna A |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (ppo) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (03/09/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
2 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
52.3 |
| MD-supervised programs |
2 (16 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
hypertension,gerd,asthma,possible sleep apnea,hypercholesterolemia,osteoarthritis |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
i didn't have to do anything . i called a couple of times to see if all was going well. the first time they said it was pending. the second time they said it had been approved . for 90 days. |
| Source |
Carol P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (11/03/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
46.1 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
1. Although, the end result was great, I was frusterated that they wouldn't let me fax my papers in, and I because of their backlog it took 6 weeks for them to review my case.
2. My only recommendation when dealing with Aetna is to keep on them until you get an answer. |
| Source |
Carrie H |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (09/30/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
51.5 |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (2 weeks) |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
My claim was handled by BTC in Yipisilanti, MI. I was approved in 1 week. No problems at all. They do state however that the surgery must take place within 90 days of the approval. Mine could not be due to EVERYTHING else taking so lone to get to the Center and lots of people on vacation through the summer causing hold ups. It did not turn out to be a proplem though. BTC sent all the details of why along with the original paperwork and it was re approved.I have had this ins for 26 years and have never had one complaint about their coveragre or service. |
| Source |
Roberta B |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (Managed Choice) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (03/23/2001) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
8 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
70.4 |
| MD-supervised programs |
3 (116 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
fluid retention, dyspnea, back and joint pain, no periods |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
They denied our request because I had not shown a past history of doctor supervised weight loss attempts. I am currently working with the insurance person with my surgeon to get approval. I had to send in all past medical records and submit a list of past weight loss attempts with pounds lost and gained. My BMI is 68 and I am having some health problems associated with my obesity, so I was surprised that they denied me. We will continue on, though, until we get approval. Update (03-23-01): We received approval for my surgery after a letter was sent by both myself and the surgeon's office. My insurance company just wanted to be sure that I needed this surgery for medical reasons and not as another weight loss plan. Even though it seemed like forever to get my approval, they were really quick about it once we sent in all the necessary information they were requesting. For any of you out there who have this same insurance company, make sure you have copies of all your past medical records, especially the ones that show any past weight loss attempts. This is what finally got me my approval. |
| Source |
Jerri G |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (nap) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (02/02/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY - proximal |
| Weeks to approval |
7 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
45.8 |
| Comorbidities |
i had alot of heretary stuff , diabities, hart disease, joint pain. |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
aetna was ok not as fast as i'd like but ok, i did have to send in more info,pictures doctors notes,diet history,but once they got that it took about 3 more weeks.overall it was not to bad.I would recomend that you send all you hisory the first time no matter what the surgen offise says, becouse you can get through faster. |
| Source |
Sandra M |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (02/16/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
50.5 |
| Comorbidities |
heart problems |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
t was fine
They did not stall at all
Get all your information first to send all at once.
|
| Source |
Lisa S |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (Aetna US Healthcare) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (04/04/01) |
| Surgery Type |
RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
2 |
| Comorbidities |
severe lower back, knee, joint pain, depression, acid reflux, etc! |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
I sat down a typed a four page letter to Aetna that Karen at the Bariactric Treatment Center forwarded for me five days after her
initial letter went out to them. about two weeks later I called her and left her a message that my dr was finally forwarding med records (Which they didn't require but I wanted to be ready if needed) she called me back and said "forget it, you're approved!!!"
they approved me verbally to her on the phone and I rec'd the letter of approval from Aetna five days later in the mail. They worked in a very timely matter and I was told that my letter definitely helped! I advise anyone to sit down and write a letter explaining your need for the surgery, I am so glad I took the time to do this, I felt it was my only chance at life, and now I believe that dreams REALLY do come true! Now I am awaiting my date for surgery, BTC said they will call me in 1-2 weeks and I am soooo ready :) Good luck everyone, it was just a couple of mo. ago I was reading these stats and hoping and praying everything would work out for myself!!! Renee Donalson
Well I got my surgery date yesterday, 4/24/01! My new Birthday will
be 05/25/01!!! I am estatic!!! I won't know
how to feel in waking up and not having PAIN
the first thing on my mind each and all day
long!!! Thank you Aetna, I LOVE YOU!!! Renee |
| Source |
Renee D |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (none) |
| Insurer Status | Denied after first letter (05/19/01) |
| MD-supervised programs |
3 (40 weeks) |
| Source |
Joanne H |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (ppo) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (03/28/01) |
| Surgery Type |
RNY - proximal |
| Pre-Op BMI |
48.5 |
| Source |
Heidi D |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (05/10/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Source |
Tam P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (09/05/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY - proximal |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
45.8 |
| Comorbidities |
hypertension, hiatal hernia, hip, knee and foot pain |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
My doctor has a couple of staff people who do nothing but deal with his patients who are having WLS, so they know the ropes. They had me well prepared with everything I needed to submit. Still, I thought that it would at least take a couple of letters! But luckily I was approved after one letter. |
| Source |
Linda P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (05/17/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
3 |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (8 weeks) |
| Comorbidities |
hypertension |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Source |
Myrle W |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (05/27/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
50.9 |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (16 weeks) |
| Source |
Laura A |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (Charles Rote) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after legal action taken (07/24/03) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Pre-Op BMI |
39.7 |
| Source |
Dawn R |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Denied after appeal letter (08/19/01) |
| Comorbidities |
hypertension,periphreal edema,fluid rentesion,arthritic aging of spine,stress incontenence,comorbidi |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
I started submitting paperwork on 1-26-01 and have been drug through all denials, through my first appeal ending on 7-27-01. They keep telling me that I do not show enough physican supervised dieting. I showed them the dates and times of estimated weightloss, when my doctor was sending me to Weight watchers and some 2000-1500 cal diets. Weight Watchers does not keep records beyond 6 weeks in their computers, I found out and provided the documentation for a couple others I could get. The insurance people said they saw some diet pills under a physican early on, but nothing more. that incident was A drug reaction because I have too high of histamine levels in my body for diet pills and my face get ripped to shreads.
I have turned my paperwork over to a lawyer, who has had this surgery, as of 8-17-01, for the 2nd appeal. I am also getting a complete physical from my doctor of all of my conditions, so they can document them all on the same page. I will get my doc to write another letter, with more details too, after the lawyer gets back with me. I am hanging on, but hurt so bad all of the time. I feel like my body is dying and I am trapped inside. They ask you if you are depressed and think you need a shrink. I just say, I am depressed due to the body pain of my condition. I should be on the top of my life right now and pray my body can hold out, while beating the diabetes and cardio clock. |
| Source |
Jeanene P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (04/10/00) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
3 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
43.6 |
| Policy |
Don't know |
| Comments |
I am sorry, I didn't have to deal with the insurance at all. |
| Source |
Jamie G |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | First letter sent - still waiting (09/04/01) |
| Source |
Gwen M |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (ppo) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after appeal letter (10/11/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
18 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
39.5 |
| Comments |
I only had toappeal once. It seemed to take forever to get approval.Do not get discouraged, keep positive. |
| Source |
Cheryl V |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | (07/01/2005) |
| Surgery Type |
Laparoscopic Lap Band |
| Pre-Op BMI |
47.3 |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Source |
Jennifer F |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (02/22/02) |
| Weeks to approval |
6 |
| Comorbidities |
Hearburn, heel spurs, retaining water, boils |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
I contacted my surgeon after switching to Aetna and they filled out the paperwork and mailed it in. Aetna then requested my PCP medical records for documented weight loss. I had my PCP send them to my surgeon and they sent them to Aetna. It took about 6 weeks to get the Certification from Aetna. Now I am waiting to get the final items done with my surgeon to schedule the surgery date.
I am glad I researched the surgery prior to tyring to get approval. I had Health Plus and found out they don't cover it very well. In my investigation I found the insurer who would be most apt to cover it through our open enrollment at work. I chose Aetna even though it cost more per year. They didn't give me any problems at all. |
| Source |
Lisa T |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (11/12/01) |
| Source |
Lisa P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (01/02/02) |
| MD-supervised programs |
1 (18 weeks) |
| Source |
Kathleen R |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna (PPO) |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (2/01) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Pre-Op BMI |
47.6 |
| Comorbidities |
Arthritis, high bp. COMORBS were intense though...you name it, I have a relative with it |
| Policy |
Must be medically necessary |
| Comments |
PLEASE PLEASE, take a minute to write your insurance company after you are post to THANK THEM. When insurance companies realize that we are HEALTHIER with surgery as opposed to it being an exclusion, they will start approving more ppl. If they never do studies on us, and never do follow ups on us, they will not know how well we are. So please write them and thank them.
|
| Source |
Tam P |
| Insurer Policy |
Aetna |
| Insurer Status | Approved after first letter (01/30/02) |
| Surgery Type |
Open RNY |
| Weeks to approval |
1 |
| Comorbidities |
Back and knee problems, High risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease |
| Policy |
Don't know |
| Comments |
I had an excellent experience with my insurance company. They were prompt and responsive to my concerns. I would recommend that a very personal touch be given with your request. I wrote a letter to the dept/person handling my case and explained my world. I was very honest and I think that made a difference in how rapid they approved my request. |
| Source |
Kathleen R |
