Aetna Open Access/Dr. Elmer Valin

Good Afternoon all.  I am new to the site and wanted to know if anyone can share their experience with getting approval from Aetna (Open Access) for Lap Band Surgery. Also, if anyone has had the Lap Band procedure with Dr. Elmer Valin in New Haven, CT – Can you please share your experience with me? Yesterday was my first visit with Deborah Valin at Orchard Medical Center in New Haven, CT (Dr. Valin’s Office).  I was told that I need to follow the steps below in order to get approval from Aetna . Additionally, I have been put on a 1200 calorie diet for 3 months.

 

 

1.       Attend a mandatory information session

 

2.       Attend an initial medical evaluation in the Dr.s office

 

3.       Evaluation by their registered dietician/exercise therapist – will be put on a medically monitored diet. Keep a diet log

 

4.       Evaluation by their clinical psychotherapist

 

5.       Attend at least 1 support group (the Dr’s office recommends attending as many as possible).

 

6.       Attend a monthly medical evaluation by the APRN for 3 months.

 

7.       Attend at least 3 nutritional and behavior modification classes

 

8.       Attend a pre-op educational class

 

 

If anyone can share their experience I would really appreciate it.

 

Thanks so much!

Wow. I have Aetna Choice POS II and I did not have to do all of that. I did have to complete a 3 month diet and exercise program with a nutritionist. See my PCP once a month during the diet, provide food logs and a five year history of a bmi over 36.

Thank you so much for replying to my post and for the information.  I am going to contact Aetna directly to see what they tell me.

Thanks Again and best of luck on your journey! Luz

You are very welcome. Good luck to you too. We are all in this together!