Surgery denied

Well my happiness was short lived I got a call from the Dr's offiice and Connecticare denied my surgery I'm not sure why I did the 6 months with my PCP but still was not appproved I don't know where to go from here. I am waiting for a letter from the insurance company to tell me why I was not approved. I was wondering if anyone knew of another Dr in the Hartfrord area that could see me I have been to Dr. Barba office several times and I am not happy with them. I really liked Dr. G. but she is leaving in Oct. I would be willing to travel somewhat. Also does anyone know how to write an appeal letter looks like I will be needing one of those too. Thanks for being here for me to vent. JEN

Sorry about the denial...Jen. I have no pointers on an appeal letter, but wanted to give you my support...And to suggest Dr. Arraow..He is an amazing surgeon out of Middlesex hospital. Good Luck, hang in there, I know of a bunch of people who were initially denied but things turned around for them. When you get the denial letter, you will have a better answer, and will be able to adress the ""reasons"".......

Hi Jen, Sorry about your denial. Once you get the letter, you'll know what to put in your appeal letter. As far as other surgeons, goes, I absolutely 100% recommend Dr Aranow, in Middletown. He's really dedicated to his helping the obese in changing their lives around. One thing he just mentioned at the support group he was the guest speaker at the other night, was that he believes that one should meet with their surgeon FIRST, not last, right before the surgery. Why? So the person can see if that that surgeon is for them. Not in the end when all of the testing is done, and you come to find out that you just don't feel comfortable with him/her. He just had his seminar for Aug, so, you'll have to call his office for the Sept one. 860-347-9167. I drive in from Rhode Island. It's very easy to get to Middlesex Hospital (right off of rte 9) and to his office (a little ways up the road). Here's a link for the appeal letter page: http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/insurancetrouble.html Good luck, paula

Hi Jen I have to agree what Paula said about our doctor Dr Aranow. He is an excellent surgeon who I can trust him with my eye shut since I am very very very picky who I decided who will be my doctor . I am almost 2 years since gastric bypass and have no problem with my stomach. Trust your heart and please to do your homework and ask people around before you decide who will be your doctor. Good luck! Kathy K

Thaks to everyone for there support and suggestions I will take everyones suggestions to heart. It's wonderful to have such a great support system here. I will continue to work on this and not give up. JEN

Hi Jenn-- Hang in there dear. Sometimes it is just a little glitch. I was initally "denied" because the insurance company did not get all of the 40+ pages Lois from Dr. Aranow's office sent them. You might ask your docs office--if they faxed them over-to make certain that the insurance company received them all. I concur with Dorata, Paula, and Kathy; Dr. Aranow is amazing. I am 2 weeks pos-op and while being an extreme surgical risk, have not had a problem thanks to his wonderful program and excellent care. His staff is just as dedicated and amazing as he. Keep your chin up dear-- Regards, Carol D.

Jen - So sorry to hear about your denial - I'm also sorry to hear that you're not happy with Dr. Barba - he did my surgery as well as two of my best friends - he's a very competent surgeon who knows what he's doing. His office is in a major transition so I can understand how it could be frustrating to deal with that ontop of everything else - it's a frustrating experience in general! Definitely start the appeal process as soon as possible....Keep going to your PCP for the monthly visits just incase there is a loop somewhere that can bite you. Did Dr. Giovanni tell you that she was leaving practice with Dr. Barba? She's awesome, I've heard her speak and was very impressed...... Dr. Barba mentioned that they will be eventually moving their office to Farmington and doing some of the surgeries out of New Britain hospital as well as St. Francis - I don't know when that will be happening....... Best of luck - don't give up!!! Tammy

Dr. Aranow is a great surgeon. His staff is also excellent. They will leave no stone unturned to help you get approval. Actually, Lois his nurse, is the real miracle worker of that practice. She is so nice, and very knowledgable. Dr. Aranow found a real asset in her. Good Luck, and don't give up. Bob H.

Hi Jen, I was going to dr. Barba also and I have changed to Dr Aranow I was very impressed by him. You need to do what your heart tells you if your not happy with someone or something change it. I think you should seriously consider Dr Aranow give him a shot I think you will like him. Hydie L. P.s. If you would like to talk email me!

sorry about your denial. my wife brandy is on my insurance plan, amthem blue cross and blue shield with my job at st. vincent's medical center in bridgeport. so my health insurance is very open about the lap band or gastric bypass(my wife is having the lap-band in september the 26th.) resubmit the request if possible. terry