filmgal
Mar 14, 2008 I got my surgery date. 3/28/08 I can't believe how this has all fallen together after that initial denial. Now I just need to get into gear and try to work out what's going to happen here! I can't believe I have only 2 weeks to wait!!
Mar 11, 2008 I decide to stop bothering everyone until Dr. Husted makes his calls and just work on getting my letter together. As I'm working on the letter and printing out reports, I get a phone call from Husted's office (at 4:30 no less - once it got to afternoon, I thought there was no chance of a call!). Lori breaks the amazing news that Dr. Husted found the person he wanted to talk to and convinced him of my medical necessity. !!!! I could not believe what I was hearing. I really don't think I could be in better hands at this point and am so excited.
Mar 10, 2008 called my insurance to find out about their appeal process. They were not helpful and told me they had no record of a denial of service. I tell her I'm looking at a denial letter and read her parts. She has no clue. I freaked out a bit and called Chelsea back -- she says she has no idea what they're talking about, she confirmed the receipt of my packet herself and told me not to worry.
Mar 10, 2008 called the insurance coordinator at Dr. Husted's office. She told me that my request really should have been approved and Dr. Husted wanted to call the medical adviser who signed the denial letter to find out the specific reasons for the denial.
Stressed about it all weekend and prepared mentally for a months long fight. "Attacked" 
multiple people on the board who seemed to know what the heck they're doing and asked for resources re: appeal letters and DS statistic reports. Got a lot of help and advice from everyone here -- thanks so much!
Mar 8, 2008 received my denial letter in the mail. "No medical necessity"
Feb 29 or so -- Dr. Husted's office collated all my paperwork and submitted it to my insurance. Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program PPO
Feb 19, 2008 saw PCP to get my letter of medical necessity, as well as my weights thru their office going back to 2003.
Feb 15, 2008 met with Dr. Husted to talk about the DS and really liked him and what he had to say. Made my final decision to go forward with Dr. Husted as my surgeon.
Feb 6, 2008 saw the psychiatrist.
Decided the DS was what I wanted and called surgeon's office to change my request in my information packet. It turns out that even though 4 surgeries are listed as to what you can choose -- they only perform 2, and this does not include the DS.
Started reading more on the forums, and came across the DS. Decided to see what was up with this surgery they had glossed over at the seminar, but did offer. ( I thought )
Feb 1, 2008 saw nutritionist.
Jan 24, 2008 surgeon consultation -- with no surgeon. Basically they take all your info and get the insurance process started while you get your requirements down.
Started doing some more extensive research trying to see if this was what I really wanted, or did I want to get back on the roller coaster, and found obesityhelp.
Dec 6, 2007 went to my informational seminar after finding out there were 2 WLS surgeons with a practice locally. Amazing!
