I BEAT KAISER!!!

I just wanted to let anyone out there that has Kaiser that you can bypass their 24 week Options classes...at least in the State of California.  Our Department of Managed Healthcare overturned Kaiser's requirement of the 24 Week class.  The DMHC deemed it as a deterant for people seeking the surgery.  I hired Kelley and Walter Lindstrom from ObesityLaw.com.  They were awesome!!!! *don't flame me about education.  I absolutely feel that anyone who is going to have WLS should do the research.  However, I don't feel that postponing the lifesaving surgery 10 months is doing anyone any good.  I say 10 months because first you have to go to orientation which can take a few months to get into then after that, you wait for another couple of months to start the classes.  Then you wait another couple of months to have surgery.  How is that beneficial to the obese person?? 

Here, here!  I agree with doing your research and a certain amt. of requirements I believe are necessary, within reason!   When they require something that prolongs the agony of the obese person seeking treatment who can justify through their pcp, and the many other required criteria they can use to decide approval or not.  Good for you and congrats on getting on with it!

Unfortunately, it is just my case.  But I am hoping more people fight Kaiser on it.  If more people fought it and The Department of Managed Care sees what they are requiring, I am sure that Kaiser would HAVE to abolish their current requirements. Thanks for the Congrats!!

Hi Heather,

I have seen you on here before and know you have been battling Kaiser. I think that is awesome and admire your determination. I have Pacificare HMO and currently on the 6 month diet requirement through Healthyroads. My last "coaching" appnt. is on the 17th and then I still have to get the approval from the insurance to have my consult with the surgeon. Hopefully I won't have too much drama. Anyway, I have heard bad things about Kaiser and saw that you "Beat Kaiser" and think that is fantastic. Best of luck to you and through your journey.  Jaime C.  Highland, CA 

Kaiser loves to deny, but they can be beaten on appeal.  Way to go!!!