Why I was denied

Ive  got a short amount of time to get in what I need so I do need to make sure what all I need. Thanks for all the advice.

Well that just got me so stirred up.  That makes me cuss. I hate insurance companies. I think they are the anti Christ.

They sure are, I mean what do they want me to get so bad even larger, so I might have a heart attack. My doctor said in his request or referal that I was very limited at what I can do. I might have to tell him just to get me that cane I use my dads ond one when we go walking,  I might as well bite the bullet and go ahead and let him get me my own.

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Documentation of incapacitation to perform the activities of daily living due to obesity (ex: wheelchair, walker use, etc.)

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That is what the guidelines say so I guess they are right. But the letter stating that I was very limited at what I can do should have been enough, but they want more details.
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I would get the cane. Nothing says you have to USE it! Only need documentation that you need it. And sadly,yes, your and all our insurance companies don't care if we all get so morbidly obese we bust wide open!  They just want to pay as little for our care as they can get away with. Good luck,I think you can win an appeal.
Holly

I have a doctors appointment with Dr. Lays replacement while he is out, I will go ahead and get the cane. But then again the doctor could just write me a letter that explains that I do use my dads cane when I have to walk alot in a day. Thanks for your encouragement, I do think I could win an appeal if I do everything right.

Sonya, also do you stay home a lot because you can not walk well?  I would explain that to the doctor also, because even though you don't use a cane *or haven't* you still are affected and have limitations due to obesity...  It is worth a try along with all the other things that you can find in your chart...  Good luck, we all are really pulling for you.

Yes I hardly ever go anywhere. I go to the grocery store and thats about it. When my husband goes with me he always lets me get the automatic wheelchair and he pushes  the buggy because it does do me in when I go alone and have to push the buggy. I would like to go and do things I used to do 130 pounds ago but to be honest I dont like to go anywhere because I am so big and I hate that. I have become a hermit. My husband says my friends think I dont like them anymore because I stay at home and dont go and visit anymore. But I have been so depressed lately I dont wanna do anything. Obesity has ruined my life, and I just want y life back and I know wls is the only way I can do that. Thanks for all your advice it is appreciated. Please keep the advice coming I need it.

I think I mentioned once when we talked before that proving you are physically disabled due to obesity is one of TennCare's major requirements. There is no getting around it. I was assuming that because your disability is based on your back problems that it would be enough. I hope your doctor is able to come through for you. I know you are very frustrated but the thing to do now is concentrate on getting what you need to get approved. Did your doctor put it in your chart that he advised you to use a cane? Get that chart note and send it to them. Have him write a letter explaining the extent of your back problems. When you wrote your letter explaining why you want weight loss surgery, did you describe all the things you can't do for yourself because of your obesity? That is what they are looking for. Evidence that you need help to take care of yourself because of obesity.
I really hope you win your appeal. Good luck.
Karen