Question:
Has anyone been told they have to wait long term before having surgery when getting new insurance?

I RECENTLY GOT INSURANCE AND......I RECENTLY GOT A JOB AND MY INSURANCE WENT INTO EFFECT AUG. 1ST. I WENT TO SEE DR. LANE IN MOBILE AND I HEARD YESTERDAY THAT I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MAY 2, 2002 BEFORE I HAVE SURGERY BECAUSE OF A WAITING PERIOD. WHAT SHOULD I DO APPEAL OR WHAT? HOW CAN IT BE A LONG TERM ILLNESS WHEN I HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE DR FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE? THANKS FOR ANY HELP. [email protected]    — April P. (posted on August 16, 2001)

August 16, 2001
This is an elective procedure and subject to the eight month waiting period. There's no basis for appeal.
   — [Anonymous]

August 16, 2001
How negative can the previous poster be.. I mean come on! Prove medical necessity, heck don't give up ok?
   — [Anonymous]

August 16, 2001
Oh yeah this procedure is SO "elective"... What a nice thing to say when for most people it's a matter of life and death, health and no health, being able to walk, run, play with your kids, being able to breath, to fit into clothes, to be able to walk up your stairs, get in your car, fasten your seatbelt, being able to sleep in a bed, sit in a regular chair, get health insurance, get proper medical care... ALL OF WHICH MOST CAN'T DO PRE-OP... </p> I can understand the waiting period though, it is a drastic surgery. This requires a commitment to a life long change, that a lot don't understand before going into the surgery. We get lucky, we have this site and all the resources, most don't see this. If they deny you because of this basis then you have a grounds to appeal, with your doctor's view of medical nessecity, or maybe life and death - not to say you'll win, but maybe. If they've "suspended" your decision, then you have no basis of appeal yet, and they can get away with that unfortunately =/ Good luck on your journey, God bless
   — Elizabeth D.

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