Can't stop crying....Insurance denies 6 days before surgery of 4/7...help

I am scheduled for lap band surgery 4/7. I was denied today by BCBS (my policy has NO exclusion). My surgeon will appeal on monday. I am SO UPSET. I can't stop crying...... any suggestions?

I feel so bad for you. We have to wait so long and then this. I'll say a prayer for you and hope the doctor can talk them into it. I think that there are times when it takes more than one attempt to get them to approve. You'll get it. God Bless. Cathy D

Hang in there. I have heard of many people who had to appeal the first time and had no problems getting aproved the 2nd time around. I hope this is what happens with you also. I am sorry you have to go through this. ---Amanda

I know exactly how you feel kelly. My husband lost his job a week before i had my surgery scheduled. I was really upset as well. But just hang in there and it will all turn out the way it is meant to . Good luck..Josi

I heard that BCBS was denying lap banding, because it has more long tern problems..... (of course, less in the beginning) and the patients lose more with RNY on average. Go to their site and read. This is just the summary page but it tells you where they are coming from. And appeal!!! http://www.bcbs.com/tec/vol18/18_10.html

Kelly, don't waste your time crying. I was denied initially also. Once my doctor submitted an appeal on my behalf everything was fine. Insurance companies just want us to bow down to them, dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". Don't worry, relax and wait on your approval. Everything will be fine, . Just don't let it get you down. God Bless and keep in touch. I will be in surgery on Monday, 4/4, will check with you after then. Yvonne

My BCBS does not cover lap band at all, they consider it "experimental" but they defintely are paying for the RNY out of the gazzzzzzzzzzoooooo!...I was approved for RNY on first try, my co worker got her approval in 2 days, her surjury is the 11th...seems everyone I know who has BCBS is getting approved the first time around for the RNY and the Lap is still being denied. I will say a prayer you can win on appeal!

Thank you so much for your prayer!!

Oh my goodness.... I am so sorry. I know that my insurance would not even consider lap bands. However, it doesn't make it easier for you. I think the thing is... you must get tough. Have a good cry and then began to get busy and insistent. Call everyone, work every angle, and push. If you are denied again, then tell them you wish to have arbitration with the State Insurance Board. All insurance agencies have to answer to a State Board - you can even contact the local Attorney General for your state and they will guide you to the insurance board. Let your insurance know you are serious, you mean business, and if necessary you will seek legal counsel. Document everything in writing. I still think allowing yourself a good cry is just fine. Don't give up, this is your life and you need to press on. Advocate for yourself, and maybe consider a Ruen-Y if that is covered. Just write down all your options. Good luck! Melinda Seattle