Question:
How do I get my insurance carrier to hear my case if no help from dr.'s office?

Here in Missouri The Surgeons will not see you until you can get a phone approval from Insurance carrier and Mine has an exclusion does anyone know if I send a letter to Insurance that they will review it or just trash it. Has anyone done this on there own? I have filled a complaint with my state Insurance program. I'm looking for any kind of assistance anyone might have to help in getting my insurance to cover WLS....Please!    — Johnnette F. (posted on October 8, 2001)

October 8, 2001
My insurance also had an exclusion, but I decided to fight it from the start. Went through my employer's insurance office. They needed a letter from my PCP and also from me as to why I thought I need the surgery (duh!). Anyway, I was successful in getting 50% of the surgery covered on the first try. So, it doesn't hurt to try! There are sample letters on this website, which helped me tremendously to write mine. Also, I definitely would contact your state legislators. I just found out that here in Ohio a state Senator has sponsored a bill to require insurance companies in Ohio to cover it. I plan to send him a letter or two!! :-) Good luck in your journey!!
   — Brenda V.

October 8, 2001
You can try telling the secretary that you will self pay. This is at least a way to get in the door to see the surgeon and get scheduled while you try to get your insurance worked out. Keep up with the appeals and you may want to switch to a more helpful surgeon if possible.
   — Jaykay B.