To Do or Not To Do a Teleconference

Well I just received a letter from Cigna and I was almost reluctant to open it.  The letter states that a schedule Committee meeting to review my second appeal request.  It gives me the date and time of the Appeal Teleconference and that if I "choose" to attend, I need to contact them.  Also told that this meeting is not a formal legal proceeding.  She goes on to state that if I do attend the conference call, I will not only have the opportunity to explain my issue to the committee members but that I could be asked questions.

Has anyone attended one of these and could share some insight with me?  If anyone hasn't, did you get approved by not attending? 

Thanks for all your help.

Lorraine

Ask Gary if it is to your benefit to attend. What if you answer a question incorrectly?

That is my concern as well.  It would be different if I could have my surgeon there with me to assist.  I didn't think to ask Gary. Thank you.

Yes do it.   They usually overturn denials after or right before the conference if they're going to do it at all.  Just be calm, don't beg, and write notes so you don't forget anything. Go into: 1. current medical history 2. co-mobidities and BMI 3 Brief family history. 4 diet history 5 why surgeon found it medically necessary