Insurance appeals

I am now in my 1st appeal. I spoke to insurance and they said if the 1st appeal is denied I could have a 2nd appeal either with Intracorp-this is the insurance through GHI or with the NYS Dept of insurance. I am wondering is one better than the other? If I do one is the other then not available? I know I am looking ahead but am trying to get the best information so if I have to do a 2nd appeal I know what to do. Also with this 1st appeal they have to answer within 15 days according to them--does this include weekends? Also if they fail to notify me in15 days am I atomatically approved? My surgeons office said they would fax over the entire file today--insurance keeps saying they are missing things so they are doing the whole thing over. Would my calling to verify if they got it start the 15 day countdown. Thanks for the help as you guys know it gets frustrating when insurance keeps saying they dont have all the paperwork.

Joy, If you have the ability to appeal to the NYS Insurance Department for an external review you should go that route.  It is impartial and performed by one of 3 companies that have no conection to your carrier like intracorp.  Most appeals are approved by an external review because they look at the bottom line.    BMI, Co_morbs and diet, is this your last resort.  They do not really enforce the 6 or 12 months specific diet history. Good luck Gary

does each state have this type of appeals program? I am from Massachusetts.