Question:
Will insurance approve it if I don't have a rash but have been

breaking out near hair line and sides near the hair line where legs "rub" together with skin down there.. Also having problems with excess skin pushing in on stomach and making my stomach hurt while eating.    — Lynette H. (posted on November 16, 2003)

November 16, 2003
Get whatever you can documented. I was just able to get BCBS to approve an abdomnioplasty done in 2 stages (strange anatomy forces this) built on my low back issues. Have never had a rash in 42 years. Sure does not hurt to try. But be prepared to be your own best advocate and write a letter to insurance explaining what the problems are. I know my letter did not hurt and it's why I have 2 surgeries approved. The surgeon explained to me why it must be done that way but not to insurance, nor did he request it be approved that way. So when we submitted additional information, after being denied at first, I addressed that and another thing that BCBS had in the denial letter. I was shocked when the approval was for 2 surgeries. I assumed I would have to pay for the upper 1/2. Early to mid Feb should be the first of the 2, with the 2nd one 2 months later.
   — zoedogcbr

November 16, 2003
To add to Chris' wonderful post, some other things that may help win approval: Do you have urinary issues? Do you have trouble controlling your bladder or the spray due to the weight of your belly or the way it hangs? Does it make walking a struggle (hanging down onto your thighs)? Does it 'off-balance' you? Do you get pain in the side from the pull when laying on your side? Does it impede your sexual function? Anything that you can show impedes the <i>normal</i> functions of life, can be used to make your case for medical necessity. Be creative (don't lie of course) and think of ALL the ways that your excess works against your living life to it's normal fullest. :>) Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]