ObesityHelp.com: Making the Journey Together

Please log in to access your customized ObesityHelp homepage. Click here to log in and begin your weight loss journey.

Oregon Forum

Select a different state:
Resources in Oregon
Other Message Boards
» Main ObesityHelp Messageboard



Warning: mysql_fetch_row(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL result resource in /home/www/production/v1_nonwebroot/includes/bsvl-chatlink.inc.php on line 6

Warning: mysql_free_result(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL result resource in /home/www/production/v1_nonwebroot/includes/bsvl-chatlink.inc.php on line 7

Who might cover bariatric surgery in Oregon?

Please Help!

If you have anything to share about your insurance company or state or federal program, please do so. Just click here, sign in, and go to your “insurance information” section.

Thousands of people using the internet come to this page every week to research their insurance company or provider's record of approval for bariatric surgery for different types of patients. This information helps people adjust their expectations and can supply valuable comparison information to those faced with coverage denials. Please encourage the posters below to update their postings where this may be applicable.
These are comments posted by the public. We do not endorse or recommend any of the companies or agencies below.

Navigation
All   Num   A   B   C   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   Z   
1,135 records

“All”: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   >>

1choice
Insurer Policy 1choice
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (04/10/05)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic Lap Band
Pre-Op BMI 71.3
Source Dena C
AAI
Insurer Policy AAI
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (08/17/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Pre-Op BMI 53.4
Comments I work at St. Charles in Bend so i could not tell you if i was approved so fast because i was an employee or not. It was a very fast process for me. I talked with them and they called back the following day and told me all was approved. I hear bad stories so i can not elaberate more cause i did not have any problems at all.
Source Donna S
Insurer Policy AAI
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (09/22/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - distal
Source Jeannette C
Insurer Policy AAI
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (June 15, 2003)
Weeks to approval 1
Comorbidities Hypertension, arthritis of both knees, Glycohemoglobin high, sleep apnes/disorder, GERD, Hyperlipide
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I had a very easy time with all the information the physician included was enough to get me approved the very first time. In fact, they received the letter on a Monday, (which is the day they do approvals) and we heard two days later. They didn't stall with me at all, although I had already started gathering information for an appeal. I was rather shocked. Must be my old age of 51. I know you need to be an employee of either SCMC or COCH for this particular Insurance Package. This is a Self-Insured Agency!
Source Debbie S
Insurer Policy AAI (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (02/15/04)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 1
Pre-Op BMI 39.3
Comorbidities sleep apnea, diabetes, hypercholesteremia, GERD, Lumbago, Sciatica
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments My ins company was wonderful, they understood that this is and was medically nec for my life and future.
Source Charlene K
aetena
Insurer Policy aetena (ppo)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (04/06/05)
Source Charlene R
Aetna
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (4/25/2000)
Surgery Type Open Duodenal Switch
Weeks to approval 1
Pre-Op BMI 62.8
Comorbidities Sleep apnea, hypertension, depression, joint and muscle pain
Policy Must be medically necessary
Source Mac W
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (10/27/00)
Surgery Type Open RNY
Weeks to approval 11
Pre-Op BMI 56.7
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Aetna lost 2 faxes (which was the letter of medical necessity), so when Dr. McConnell's assitant followed up they said they never received the letter. This went on from July until the beginning of September when Aetna finally received the THIRD letter (same letter resubmitted). At this time they put a rush on it and came back with a discision in 2 weeks.
Source Lynne R
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO/Premium)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (12/28/00)
Surgery Type Open RNY
Weeks to approval 2
Pre-Op BMI 39.5
Policy Don't know
Comments I didn't have to deal with the insurance company. Dr. Flanagan and his staff did it all for me. The response was quick. I would recommend this insurance company to anyone.
Source Alicia M
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (2/98)
Surgery Type Open RNY - proximal
Weeks to approval 2
Pre-Op BMI 47.0
Comorbidities High Blood Pressure, Mild Sleep Apnea, Asthma, aches and pains in hips and back
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments They were wonderful and also approved redundant skin removal in 2 weeks.
Source Beth B
Insurer Policy Aetna (HMO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (08/17/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 1
Pre-Op BMI 40.1
Comorbidities Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Bursitis in hips, diabetic , GERD
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I have done some research and have taken a second job with a company that has insurance that covers the surgery. Thank you to all that have posted insurance comments. It really helped to direct me in the right direction. In 90 days I will be covered by the new insurance, in the mean time I am taking care of all my pre-op appointments so they will be done by then. 8/1/01 I am now also covered by Aetna. 8/10/01 My file has been submitted to Aetna for approval. 8/17/01 I have been approved for surgery.
Source Sheryl
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (9/30/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - distal
Weeks to approval 8
Pre-Op BMI 50.3
MD-supervised programs 3 (102 weeks)
Comorbidities Sleep apnea, diabetes
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments They never acknowledged receiving the letter from the doctor. They sent it, faxed it, I faxed it. Once they finally acknowledged receiving it we got the approval within 3 weeks. Follow up, follow up, follow up. The request is processed by a different department but claims should be able to tell you once they acknowledge receipt of the request.
Source Debi A
Insurer Policy Aetna (MANAGED CHOICE)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter
Surgery Type Open RNY
Policy Must be medically necessary
Source Wendy M
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (4/2/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 9
Pre-Op BMI 62.4
MD-supervised programs 1 (6 weeks)
Comorbidities High blood pressure, acute edema, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, constant knee and ankle pain, GERD
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I have been calling Aetna often, every operator has a different 'story.' Keep notes, demand answers and remain persistant! 1/25/02--Called AETNA to see if they had received my formal request--they don't have any information and have not received anything. 2/02/02--Sandy from Dr. P's office called yesterday. It seems as if AETNA wants proof of two individual 3-month diets that have failed. They need a letter from my dietitian, my PCP and another letter from Dr. P. They already have this information--I included all my medical records from the past seven years! I don't understand why insurance companies have such STUPID policies that are not followed through with all patients! 2/5/02--The LAP-BAND was denied because it is considered 'experimental' by AETNA. Oh well, round two! 3/15/02--RNY request was faxed in today. 3/25/02--I have been calling AETNA everyday since I found out that info had been resubmitted. Today they want my medical records sent in in order to proove that I have been MO for at least 5 years. 3/29/02--Okay, something was received but the rep could not tell from the incomplete notation! I'll be calling back on Monday! MAJOR STALLING! 4/2/02--OMG--they did it--they APPROVED my surgery after finally getting the packet that I sent. It took less than 24 hours after Nurse Mia received my info!!!!! 4/8/02--OMG--even though Good Sam is out-of-network AETNA is paying at the in-network rate because my surgeon only used that hospital! Thank you AETNA!!! NEW INSURANCE AS OF 1/1/03--LIFEWISE. All I can say is thank God I had Aetna for the WLs portion of my transformation! Lifewise won't even pay for an office visit to my PCP to discuss the issues I'm having with my large apron/fat pocket. They consider anything to do with weight to be obesity-related and exclude everything accordingly. I was having back, shoulder and neck pain due to the excess fat/skin and they denied my office visit because it was 'obesity-related.' UGH! You don't know how mad this makes me! I've been told by two surgeons that Lifewise NEVER pays for reconstructive surgery, especially after ELS because it's 'weight-related.' I also have insurance through my university so we'll see how that goes!!!!!
Source J S
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusDenied after first letter (07/01/01)
Source Jamie W
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (07/08/08)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Pre-Op BMI 50.1
Comorbidities sleep apnea
Policy Must be medically necessary
Source Angela W
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (08/04/01)
Surgery Type Open Duodenal Switch
Pre-Op BMI 101.4
Source Scott D
Insurer Policy Aetna (traditional)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (10/24/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 6
Pre-Op BMI 47.8
Policy Don't know
Source Angela G
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (8/2002)
Surgery Type RNY
Pre-Op BMI 52.5
Comments ODS my first Insurance company was the absolute worst. After 10 months of fighting with them with my attorney they still denied me. New insurance as of July 1, 2002 (Aetna) still waiting for their answer.
Source Jennifer F
Insurer Policy Aetna (Managed Choice POS)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (10/15/01)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 26
Pre-Op BMI 46.6
Comorbidities Sleep Apnea
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Generally reasonable. Their policy is clearly stated on their website. Repeated failure at physician-supervised weight loss & BMI higher than 40, unless other comorbidities exist (e.g., Sleep Apnea). I didn't send in the documentation, so I had to send away for it and await the appeals process.
Source Miguel C
Insurer Policy Aetna (Managed Choice POS)
Insurer StatusApproved after 2nd appeal letter (02/08/02)
Surgery Type Open RNY
Weeks to approval 24
MD-supervised programs 2 (20 weeks)
Comorbidities GERD, sleep disorder, two page list of problems
Policy Written exclusion policy
Comments I think Aetna denies all initial, first and second appeals. I needed to write to them personally, and send them a two page letter of problems associated with my weight before they changed their minds. They did set a time limit. Which I think they hope will expire before I can find a surgeon, get tested and set a date.
Source Danny J
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (04/03/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - proximal
MD-supervised programs 1 0
Source Julie F
Insurer Policy Aetna (EPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (04/11/02)
Surgery Type Open RNY
Pre-Op BMI 55.3
Source Michelle K
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusFirst letter sent - still waiting (04/30/02)
Source Muffette M
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (6/07/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - proximal
Comments The people at Aetna were great. There were lots of questions and extra paperwork to fill out, but never once did they make me feel like I was bugging them (and believe me, I called EVERY day). The certifying RN gave me my info over the phone and really worked with the Dr.'s office to get me a quick surgery date based on my needs. They were great.
Source Tina M
Insurer Policy Aetna (Providence Preferred)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (11/04/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Pre-Op BMI 59.5
Comorbidities Sleep Apnea, GERD, Hiatal Hernia, High Cholesterol
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments 10/23/02 Doctor's office faxed Aetna pre-certification request for surgery. 11/04/02 Aetna informed doctor's office of my approval for surgery! I had no problems with AETNA covering my surgery or any of the additional bills because of complications of my RNY surgery. They are awesome!
Source E D
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (05/27/03)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 16
Pre-Op BMI 49.6
MD-supervised programs 2 (56 weeks)
Comorbidities HYPERTENSION, GERD, MILD APNEA
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments AETNA PPO WAS THE PITS TO DEAL WITH. MY SURGEON SENT IN MY INITIAL LETTER AND I WAS DENIED. THEY HAVE TO HAVE SIX MONTHS MEDICALLY DOCUMENTED DIET HISTORY AND 5 YEARS WORTH OF MEDICAL RECORDS SHOWING THAT YOU HAVE BEEN OBESE. I WROTE THEM A LETTER ALONG WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND I WAS APPROVED.....BUT THEY WOULD NOT APPROVE THE HOSPITAL THAT MY SURGEON PRACTICES AT. SO.... IT WAS BACK ON THE PHONE AND THE FRUSTRATION WAS THAT EVERYONE AT AETNA KEPT GIVING ME A DIFFERENT ANSWER. MY SUGGESTION IS TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE SUPERVISORS SUPERVISOR... GOOD LUCK!
Source Heather H
Insurer Policy Aetna (Aetna PPO/POS)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (12/15/03)
Weeks to approval 10
MD-supervised programs 5 (72 weeks)
Comorbidities Arthritis-Knees, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Low Back Pain
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Sent my appeal letter to Aetna. It turns out the company I work for is self-insured. We have a unit within Aetna that handles only Liberty Mutual/Wausau employees' health issues. The case manager told me Dr. Friedman's request went to the wrong department and their denial wasn't valid. It took 2 weeks and I was approved. My surgery date is 1/13/04.
Source Cynthia B
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusDenied after first letter (06/22/03)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - distal
Pre-Op BMI 40.7
Source Carol S
Insurer Policy Aetna (EPO)
Insurer StatusFirst letter sent - still waiting (1/29/04)
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments So far dealing with my Insurance Co. has been good. They have paid 100% so far on my sleep apena test.
Source Debbie S
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (07/21/03)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 8
Pre-Op BMI 43.5
MD-supervised programs 1 (52 weeks)
Comorbidities Sleep apnea, GERD, hiatal hernia, hip pain
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Aetna is very easy to work with as long as you fulfill all of their requirements before submitting your paperwork. They didn't stall at all--I was very impressed. Yes, they definitely respond to persistence. I had to write an appeal letter and they handled it very quickly and efficiently. Just make sure you have all of the requirements fulfilled and well documented. Don't get discouraged if they deny you--I have heard of many people who have had their first appeal approved with no problems (including myself).
Source Deana B
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusFirst letter sent - still waiting (07/23/03)
MD-supervised programs 2 (12 weeks)
Source Lisa E
Insurer Policy Aetna (Alaska Care Health Plans)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (11/30/04)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Pre-Op BMI 40.2
MD-supervised programs 2 (6 weeks)
Comorbidities diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic back pain.
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Their turn around time is approximatley one to two weeks. I think they are very prompt once they have all the information required. I was initially denied because of a misunderstanding on my mental evaluation. Once that was cleared up, it was approved immediately. I would recommend anyone applying to this company get a copy of the Clinical Policy Bulletin Number 0157 Subject: Obesity Surgery. This bulletin tells all their requirements. Follow it and supply them with what it says and you should have no problem. Be sure to give a copy of the bulletin to your clinic.
Source Tanna C
Insurer Policy Aetna (ppo)
Insurer StatusDenied after first letter (03/29/04)
Source Carrie J
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (04/09/04)
Source Cynthia B
Insurer Policy Aetna (Open Choice - PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (05/12/04)
MD-supervised programs 2 (50 weeks)
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Aetna will approve RNY if deeemed medically necessary. However, they specifically exclude banding surgery, which is my preferred option. I am currently gathering information and writing history in anticipation of needing appeal, whole proceeding with the surgeons pre-visit requirements.
Source Kristen R
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusFirst letter sent - still waiting (06/15/04)
MD-supervised programs 5 (48 weeks)
Source Teresa S
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (07/24/04)
Surgery Type Open RNY
Weeks to approval 3
Pre-Op BMI 51.5
Comorbidities diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Our doctor did the battling with the insurance company, so I have little knowledge about the details. I think they automatically reject the first request at the hope you will be discouraged and go away. But the doctors office wouldn't take that for an answer and they finally agreed. Also had the history of Aetna approving the surgery for other coworkers.
Source Maryanne P
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (10-21-04)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 1
MD-supervised programs 1 (36 weeks)
Comorbidities Type 2 Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Severe Sleep Apnea, GERD, Bladder Incontenience, hypo
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I just feel that I am too young to face these co-morbidities the rest of my life...all of these are weight related. I feel pretty confident about my insurance approving...Aetna does have a history of approving this surgery...and I have been completing EVERY requirement and then some!...so far...I would definately recommend this insurerer..although I read on this site that as of 1-1-05 they will no longer cover WLS...hopefully that is just a rumor****UPDATE>>>>APPROVED AFTER JUST 9 BUSINESS DAYS!!! AETNA WAS WONDERFUL !!
Source Jill R
Insurer Policy Aetna (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (09/27/04)
Surgery Type RNY
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I know that they are very helpfull with all my other complications, But again I'm just starting this procedure and not sure yet how Aetna will respond. I got approved in 5 working days for the surgery. I did everything that they require for approval and they have been nothing but wonderful to me. Thank You Aetna !!
Source Sherbearkisses4U (Sherri)
Insurer Policy Aetna (managed care)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (02/11/05)
Source Chris P
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (02/15/05)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 1
Comorbidities hypertension,
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments my insurance approved after I went through the 6 month Dr Supervised Diet. It only took 1 week to get the approval after a year of getting the requirements done. I never spoke with the insurance company, Susan at Dr Read's office took care of the paperwork. I would recommend to others out there find out what it is that your insurance requires and do it...
Source Darla M
Insurer Policy Aetna (EPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (11/14/06)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 1
Pre-Op BMI 46.3
MD-supervised programs 1 (24 weeks)
Comorbidities none
Policy Must be medically necessary
Source Katrina W
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (11/26/05)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Weeks to approval 6
Pre-Op BMI 47.9
Comorbidities Chronic skin conditions, Depression, GERD, Hypercholesterolemia, Shortness of breath, Sleep apnea
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments I was denied the first time I applied due to not having met the requirements of my policy. I had to return to my doctor for monthly visits specificlly for wt. loss, documenting how I was attempting to change my behaviors with a physician supervised diet. I had to go in each month, get weighed, discuss how I was doing on my diet, the new things I was trying each time to lose more wt. (walking more, joined a gym, working out daily, keepinng food/calorie journal, increasing water intake, etc.) so my doctor could document my attempts at behavior modification. My BMI qualified my from the get-go, and after I submitted again with the necessary requirements met, I was approved. I am still fighting with the hospital, to provide the proper documentation, for the insurance to pay however. The most important thing was to go to my doctor each month specificlly for wt. loss, and physician supervised diets to get everything documented.
Source Lori F
Insurer Policy Aetna
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (04/05/07)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Pre-Op BMI 62.4
Comorbidities GERD, Hypertension, Shortness of breath, Mild sleep apnea
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Aetna was great! They were very helpful and fast in getting my pre-certiciation authorized. I would recommend people get a copy of Aetna's clinical policy bulletin #157 and make sure they have all the documentation and other requirements met. I did, and that is why I was approved in just under 24 hours! I love Aetna!
Source Kristal N
Insurer Policy Aetna (Managed Choice)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY - proximal
Source Darla S
Alternative Risk Management
Insurer Policy Alternative Risk Management
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (07/10/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic RNY
Source Gina Y
AmCare
Insurer Policy AmCare
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (06/17/02)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic Other
Pre-Op BMI 40.1
Source Sharon C
American Postal Workers
Insurer Policy American Postal Workers (First Health)
Insurer StatusApproved after appeal letter (06-11-02)
Surgery Type Open Duodenal Switch
Weeks to approval 4
Comorbidities arthritis,hypertension
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments Must be medically necessary, need psycological evaluation, diet history. Once they recieved the first letter they requested record of medically supervised diets. My personal physician wrote an excellent letter covering two diets he supervised the longest on being for approximitley 7 months. Seven days after they received this letter I got approval. I had some inside connections and had to verify receipt of each letter and demand faxed responces to avoid further delay. Generally OK but certainley felt no urgency to process quickley.
Source Margaret L
Anthem Blue Cross
Insurer Policy Anthem Blue Cross (PPO)
Insurer StatusApproved after first letter (12/03/2007)
Surgery Type Laparoscopic Lap Band
Pre-Op BMI 43.3
Comorbidities hypertension, GERD
Policy Must be medically necessary
Comments The caseworkers, Lisa and Teresa are just wonderful!
Source Deborah H

Navigation
All   Num   A   B   C   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   Z   
1,135 records

“All”: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   >>




Copyright © 2008 ObesityHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.
Technical problems? Report them here.