Question:
Do you need to have been overweight for 10 years to qualify for surgery?
Someone told me that some surgeons require that you be overweight for 10 years before you qualify. I've only been overweight for 7. Anyone know if this is true or if you can override it? — susanje (posted on November 7, 2002)
November 7, 2002
Susan, it's what the insurance requires not the surgeon. My insurance only
required 5 yrs. Check with your insurance carrier.
— Alicia M.
November 7, 2002
My insurance only required a letter from my surgeon stating it was
medically neccessary for me to have the surgery.However, my surgeon had his
own requirements.Each surgeon and insurance company will be
different.Leslie E.
— Leslie E.
November 7, 2002
I don't remember if my insurance had any requirement, as long as it was
deemed medically nescessary, and my co-morbidities warranted it... as in,
if I kept headed where I was headed, I'd get worse until I died! Still I
was probably my largest size from 96-00, only 4 years or so.
— Karen R.
November 7, 2002
Susan, I have heard others say that their insurace required a five year
history, and that is what my doctor ask for. I think that most insurances
just want the doctor to say that it is medically neccessary. I think that
if you call customer service at your insurace company, they will be able to
tell you what they require. If the doctor requires you be MO for 10, just
try to kind someone else who will not require that. Good luck to ya, I
hope that you find the right doctor!
— poohdotsmom2
November 7, 2002
I was only obese for about 6 or 7 years, and I had no problem. I have heard
some people say they needed a 5 year history, but not everyone does.
— Maria H.
November 7, 2002
All doctors AND insurance companies vary in their requirements. You need
to call the surgeon's office and see what they require for you to qualify.
— Patty_Butler
Click Here to Return