Question:
Approval for consult, is it difficult to get approval for surgery?

Hello, I was on cloud nine knowing I was approved for my consultation, but is it difficult to get approval for surgery if the surgeon recommends it also. I was thinking..."if the ins. authorized three visits to meet with the surgeon they would surely authorize the surgery if the surgeon recommends it also". THEN...I began thinking...are there a lot of denials after the patient had been authorized to meet with the surgeon.? Maybe I am thinking tooooo much. My consult is in mid August and I am very excited. Thanks for everyone being soooo supportive, this site encourages me when I think there is no more hope.    — Patricia C. (posted on July 17, 2000)

July 17, 2000
You have time to get your ducks in a row before your consult. This is y advice- make sure your PCP has ANY weight-related complaints documented- even if it means going to your Dr. several times in the next month. Get as many letters from as many Dr.s as you can supporting WLS for you. I got a very good one from my primary care doc and one from the surgeon who did a procedure on my broken ankle. I know that there were a lot of health problems associated w/ my weight that I ust "got used to"- back and neck pain, headaches, knee pain, stress incontinence, sleeplessness,etc... these need to be in your medical records somewhere. When had my consult, I took my letters w/ me, ready to be faxed to the insurance company. This accomplished 2 things- 1. I think it may head off stalling by the insurance company, and 2. my surgeon could tell I was ready to have this done and that my doctors supported it. Hope that helps- good luck!
   — Julie M.