plastic surgery

i am getting ready for my first plastic.  I have two hernias that need to be repaired and I am hoping to get my excess skin removed at the same time.  I am waiting approval on my appeal they have until June 23 to make a decision.  First time was shot down.  Hernia doc said it would be best to have both done so here is hoping.  Anyone have Dr. Abd Alghanem from Hurley in Flint Michigan.  Had my consult with him and felt pretty comfortable.  this is just a big decision.  Anyone unhappy with skin removal?

Hey PMC...I TOO was turned down the first time for ps by the insurance company.  I appealed by having my primary care doctor send in additional medical information and a letter.  (I work for a damn insurance co..lol) You are approved for the hernia..right..just not the plastics?  Medically...you are entitiled to the hernia repairs...maybe not the plastics unless you have objective medical findings like rashes (and can show treatment for them), etc. I had a hernia repair, tt and a boob lift all at once (Dr DiNick in Southfield) and love it.  I know quiet a few others who had ps..and do not know anyone who is not happy.  Also...just so you know...NO pain...just a bit of discomfort.   Can you say STRYKER PUMP (a pain pump they sent me home with for three days?!?  Ask your ps about this...it was great!). Anyhow..keep your chin up...insurance companies LOVE to deny first time around..hoping we go away.  

I have not had my plastics done yet but I too am seeing Dr. Abd Alghanem from Hurley.  He does seem competant and I couldn't find anything bad out about him.   I have seen him twice and he has been completely upfront and open about everything.  I still don't know if my insurance will pay for all of the Tummy Tuck along with hernia repair, because it all depends on Medicare and if Medicare pays BCN will pay.   I do not have skin rashes ect but I do need a ventrical hernia repair and they will be re-opening my original incisions.  The skin there is no longer usable and has to be removed to close me up.  So I am keeping my fingers crossed.   But, even if they do not pick up.  Dr A will only charge at that point $3500, because the anesthic and surgical suite, will be paid for by medicare. So you can check that out.  He also has what seems to be reasonable cash prices for other plastics, that I will be checking into in the next year or so. Good Luck with your approval!

Carolyn, thanks for your input.  I appealed and was again denied coverage through MESSA  BCBS insurance because I didn't lose 100 lbs.  I lost 84 and have to reach the 100 in order for the panniculectomy to be covered.   I have two large herniasalong my incision and was hoping to get it all done at once.  It seems the insurance company doesn't mind paying twice.  Dr Jamal Farhan said it would be better to have the excess skin removed because it may cause the hernias to return.  So I will be cut again at the gastric bypass site, only this time below my belly button.  Once I lose the extra 18 pounds then I can have the panniculectomy.  Also at that time because the skin by my old gallbladder scar will no longer have blood supply and I will again be cut along my gastric bypass and hernia scar to fix that as the skin will die.  Dr. Alghanm  will have to take a lage piece of skin by the old gallbladder scar out and I will have no belly button.  It really is depressing to think I have to go through so much because of criteria made up for all individuals and not on a one to one basis.  It doesn't matter if you are 5'3' or 6'3"  it's 100 pounds.  I will be having a phone mangerial conference on Thursday at 2:00.  Please pray for me that the outcome will be in my favor. Thank you once aggain for taking an interest in my email.  I will pray for you and your situation also.  Cynthia P