Question:
How long or short should your first appeal letter be?

I have read several different opinions on this question on this site. The sample appeal letter posted is quite long. I found a Q&A about an appeal letter. One person answered saying they used to work at an insurance company and said to keep the letter short and to the point. Only point out your own personal physical problems and not to quote publications or anything that would help out your cause. I just got my first denial, which was totally expected, but now I'm confused about how to write the appeal. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx!    — Shelley R. (posted on March 18, 2003)

March 18, 2003
Your appeal letter needs to deal with the reasons you were denied. For example, if you were denied because your insurance company considers WLS to be experimental, cite a few scientific statements, like from NIH, that refute that claim. I personally believe that in almost all cases, shorter is better than longer. Make your points concisely, accurately, calmly and politely. Don't beg, don't threaten, don't whine don't get hysterical. Focus on the reasons for the denial and don't stray from that.
   — Kasey

March 18, 2003
I will echo what Kasey said. I know it's tempting to pour your heart out, but the insurance companies don't work that way. They have specific policies, exclusions, etc. Reply directly to the reason they denied you. Keep it to one page if you can. Think about it this way. If you had the job of reviewing appeals, would you want to get appeal letters and/or packets with dozens of pages to wade through? I know that I wouldn't. Keep it short and just address the reasons for the denial.
   — garw