Recent Visits and Medical Mutual

Hello, Well, I am beginning to learn the ropes! I had my dietician and psych appointments yesterday at OSU which went fairly well and I thought that I was really on my way. I have a PCP appointment Friday. Well, I learned late yesterday that Medical Mutual is one that requires the 6 month supervised diet and exercise program so it looks like it is going to be a longer haul than I anticipated. I am considering the Living Well program. Anyone have any words of wisdom about the program or Medical Mutual to share? Thanks Teresa

Hi Teresa, Glad to see you are on your way. The only thing I would say about Medical Mutual is be SURE you call and get a list of everything you need to present to them for review. They stressed to me that they HAD to have a 5 year, doctor recorded weight history to show long term obesity before being considered. I had no problem providing this to them because my PCP's from the past were willing to copy everything and prepare it to send in. I was lucky to have attended a weight support group for many many years and they accepted that in exchange for the 6 month requirement. Good luck as you start and continue your journey. ~Dan

Hi Dan, Thanks for your reply. How lucky you were to be able to exchange your weight support group for the 6 month requirement. Congrats on your weight loss and being able to ride the rides. That is great! Teresa

I agree get everything they need. I was approved by medical mutal but had to show the 6 months supervised weight loss attempt and had to complete the counseling recommended in my psychological. There aren't any shortcuts with Med Mutal, but they did approve me after I complied. Dianna

Dianna, Thanks... Did you then have your surgery with Dr. Needleman? How was your experience with the OSU Program? Teresa

Hi, After I went through the six months of supervised diet with my family doc, Medical Mutual had no problem with it. They approved me and two weeks later I had my surgery. Veronna

Veronna, Thanks for your encouraging reply. Has your surgery gone well? Teresa

Hi, Teresa, I also have Medical Mutual and was turned down in 2004 because I had not been on a clinically supervised diet. I went to a doctor of nutritian for a nine month program and am now trying again through the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric program. I have completed all the testing and consultations and am waiting (not patiently) for precertification from Medical Mutual. I was told that it would take six to eight weeks. I'm a nervous wreck. 'Hope everything goes smoothly for you. Judy

Judy, Thanks for your reply and good luck with your wait and approval. Teresa

HAve you been seeing your pcp monthly for anything else? I will send you a chart to use for your six month supervised diet and if you have been seeing your pcp for anything else you can have him fill this out and use it for the supervised diet.. I will email it to you direct...Good luck!