Question:
I just talked to my insurance company who said I can't be hypothyroid and get approve
I just had initial lab work done and the test came back borderline hypothyroid. My PCP wants to retest in 4-6 weeks. My insurance company won't cover surgery if I am hypothyroid. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks, Traci — tulip2 (posted on January 30, 2003)
January 30, 2003
Tracy, I was approved by Anthem BC BS INDIANA and I have Hypothyroid.The
only other Co Morbids I had was pain in joints and High cholesterol and
tryglycerides. I have had my thyroid problem for years and take medication
for it. Nancy
— NANCY P.
January 30, 2003
Traci, my guess is that what they're REALLY saying is: No weight loss
surgery will be approved until we find out IF you are hypothyroid, and if
you are, no surgery until it's been treated. There are people around this
site who've discovered thyroid problems during pre-op testing, and who then
had to be treated and stabilized with thyroid medication until the docs
were satisfied the thyroid was working correctly (and the thyroid med dose
was right). This can take weeks to determine, and not only for testing --
as a "borderline" case, you may be someone who just got a funky
lab result, and your pcp wants to doublecheck your levels in a few weeks to
be sure. Also, if it's determined that you really ARE hypothyroid, it
takes weeks for the thyroid meds to work to their fullest effectiveness
(they build up in your system over time, like antidepressants -- they're
not fast-acting, like aspirin), and for testing to confirm that you're
doing well with the meds. I've known people who went through that process,
got stabilized, and have had WLS after all. :) So be patient and hang in
there -- you want to be in the best shape possible for surgery and get that
thyroid problem (IF you have one) under control first. :)
— Suzy C.
February 1, 2003
I also am hypothyroid and have been for over 7 years. I take synthroid and
everytime I get my blood checked they have to adjust my meds. All I was
told is that my TSH levels have to be in a certain range prior to sugery.
Ask your doctor if the same applies to you and see what that range is for
you. Good luck and remember were all here to help eachother.
— Christine H.
February 3, 2003
Tracy - I. too, am Hypothyroid. I am having surgery on 3/3/03. You have
to prove to your insurance that your hypothyroidism is completely under
control or surgery truly will be useless because your Thyroid gland is what
controls your metabolism. Get it under control and SURGE ahead on your
surgery plans !!!! Good Luck ---Kera
— Kewpidoll
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