First surgeon visit

 Hey All You Merry Makers,

I haven't been on for awhile because I haven't had much news on the WLS front to share.  I went to see Dr. Gellar for the first time yesterday.  I was expecting to set a surgery date but found out I haven"t even been approved by insurance.  They are going to turn it in next week but she thought they would deny it without the 6 months supervised diet deal.

I may be back on soon seeking advice on appeals to the insurance.  What are some of your experiences with this?

Thanks,
Dana

Hiya Dana! I have Medicare/Medicaid so did not have to jump through any hoops or  documented weight loss! Thank goodness! Did you call your insurance and ask them about all this? I know the bariatric group allen is in with  seem to say you need crap that eventually you actually may or may not need! Cover your self and make sure...the more active you are in your own case the quicker it may progress...or so I have seen! Hope you can make it to the meeting Tuesday! It's been forever since we have gotten to see ya! 

Dana, who is the insurance??
Haven't u been doing the supervised diet?? I thought u were
Dawn

 I;ve got Humana.  I've been going to my doctor but really not a supervised diet.

Dana

Dana, mine is Humana, and I just had to see the doctor ever month and be weighed for 6 months... but I only had to do it for three or 4 then they dropped it./..
So dont give up hope ok!!!
dawn

It's ok, as long as he documents your weight and that you discussed it.

  Hi, Dana!!!  So good to see you checkin' in here, gal!  I would have thought you were doing the 6 month thing by now.  I doubt if you can get by without the supervised 6 month "diet".  If you've been seeing your doctor regularly he/she can maybe help you out with this documentation because Humana requires it. It took me nearly a year from beginning to surgery and several hoops to jump through, but it can and does happen!  Don't get discouraged.  Keep plugging along and get 'er done.  Would love to see you again- hope you are having a good school year!  See you Tuesday night???

Humana is not going to budge on the 6 month and waive it I can tell you that right now, however if you have been seein you PC P and hes documenting you weight and you talking to him about your weight that might fly with Humana as long as its documented in his office notes. 

Yeah Dana you have been doing the 6 month thing it should not be a problem cause I remember when you started it  when you were at Suburban group I thought

I have Humana Insurance and Dr. Geller is my surgeon!.  The day after I went to my 6th pcp visit I went to his office and picked up all my records for that 6 months.  I faxed them to Dr. Geller's office and they sent everything to Humana that same afternoon.  I was approved the very next day and they set my surgery date for about 5 weeks from that which gave me time to get all the pre op testing done.  It went very quickly.  good luck!!!