Aetna approval process..

I went to the support group meeting on 7/20 learned a lot of info talking to other who have had WLS. I attended to seminar in early July and had an appointment with Paula @ Abington. I have already completed   all of the required testing *(blood gas, EKG, blood work, abdominal ultrasound and chest x-ray.)  I will meet with Dr. G on Tuesday. I already had a consultation with Dr Pupkova back in April but I decided to go with the DS(which she doesn’t not perform). I started the 6 month plan for Aetna in April (hopping to be completed by September). When I met with Paula @ the begin of this month she said that I could do the 3 month plan with her office (which will also be done by September). My PCP is very supportive of my decision to have WLS she will write the required letter for me.   My question is with Aetna which track is better to get an approval faster the 3 month of the 6 month? How long after completed the entire requirement does Aetna normally take to approve WLS? Can all this be done to have surgery by no later than December?

Hi Jackie,

Not sure if I can answer your question, but I also have aetna the POSII plan.  I am doing the 3 month program (I am not aware there was a 6 month plan).  Like you I have met all the requirements except i have my last weigh in on Aug.11th. 
 
I have heard from people that with Aetna the approval could be as fast as 48 hours to several weeks depending if an appeal has to be filed.  Currently, I am scheduled for surgery on Sept 2nd,so I hope Aetna approves me right away.  It will be one less thing to stress out about.

Good luck, keep us posted.
Geoff

I have Aetna and if I couldn't prove up front that I had been following a doctor supervised diet plan for 6 months then I would have to do the 3 month diet, exercise, nutrition program, which is what I did. I had to join a fitness center, have monthly appts with my PCP and had to see a nutritionist. Once I had completed my 3 month requirement it only took a couple of weeks for the approval to come thru.

In my humble opinion the 3 month program was well worth it - it got me started on the road to having a healthier diet and working out - obviously neither of which I did prior to that - LOL!! And I loved the nutritionist I found and continued to see her well after my WLS - unfortunately she left the practice where she was and I could no longer go to her.

I don't know that either program will produce quicker approval results but I will tell you I started my journey and process in June of 2007 and didn't have my surgery until February 2008 due to all the testing and requirements, etc.

Best of luck to you - sounds like you're on the right path.

I'm doing the 3 month program and like Geoff have my last weigh in on August 11th.  They will schedule my surgery that day and then submit for approval.  I so hope it goes OK.

I wish you lots of luck and fast approval!!!  :D