WLS Lawyers

I did not get much of a response from Atty Walter Lindstrom in CA through his website.  Can anyone out there recommend an attorney to see if I have a chance to win a fight to overturn a WLS exclusion with Anthem BlueCross? Thanks,  Maria

Maria, how is the exclusion written?  I  have two attorneys working for me to help with the exclusion--to no avail.  you best bet, since exclusion is for WLS is somewhat new, can you prove that you were considering it before it became an exclusion?  My insurance agent tells me eventually the insurance companies will get smart and allow the surgery for people that have a medical necessary...but then again---I had a friend who paid out of pocket..the surgeron charged him $25,000...he had an open RNY and was in intensive care for two days following surgery---I had a laproscopic RNY and although I was in a step down unit for two days due to breathing issues, I still left the hospital after 4 days...my bill was $121,000...SO you see ..somewhere something is not right, and until it gets straighten out...those who are in need of this life saving operation won't be able to get it covered...best of luck!

Your friend's surgeon charged him 25K for his fee.  I'm sure his hospital bill was separate from the surgeon's charge. Plus anesthesia's bill and other docs that had any part in it.' Our medical system in this country is SO flawed.  That's why Dr Aranow is spearheading a group of people to converge on the state capital and have a law enacted to force insurance companies to pay for this surgery. Paula

Paula im going through something similar. i have connecticare, and they said it was also excluded from the policy. What can i do about it, my Dr. is Dr Bell in New Haven, but i would love to go to the capital to fight for somehting i feel so passionate about. I have already begun to draft a letter to the Attny Gen.  because honestly i feel this is really some form of discrimination for them to exclused services for people who are obese or overweight. Thanks, Ali                                  If u have any additional info please let me know.

I would call Dr Aranow's office and ask someone there about Dr A's legislative group.  I know they have meetings from time to time to gather people together to speak about this.  Someone in the office can help you. His number is:  (860) 347-9167  Paula

I sent you a PM about the next meeting!

Hi, think I need legal interpretation of the exclusion.  Seems a little vague to me but not sure.  I hope your insurance agent is right about allowing the surgery for people that have a medical necessity.  Oh my gosh, $121,000.  Unbelievable!  I hope u are doing well right now.  I assume that was out of pocket or did your insurance cover it?  I really hope someone can break through the insurance barrier! Thanks for your advice, Maria

Does your surgeon know of a local attorney that some of his patients may have had to use to get an insurance company to include their surgery? Dr Aranow is spearheading a group of patients (all patients, not just his) and professionals to gather and go to the state capital (for the second time, the first time it was shot down) to force the law makers in our state to force the insurance companies to cover this surgery.  The more voices heard, the more it shows the legislature that there is a need. I'd call his office to speak w/ him and ask him about it.  He may also know fo some ideas you can use to get things changed.   You don't have to switch to him...though, he's  a great man and surgeon. Paula

Dr. Aranow sounds like a great man.  I truly hope this courageous group is successful!  Hopefully legislation will be passed mandating this surgery.  "They" need to get a clue that approving WLS will save the insurance companies and others money in the long run.  Maria