x-post: What do you think?

I've started the process of submitting the paperwork to my wls clinic so that they can turn around and submit it to my insurance for approval.  I was wondering, though, what your all's opinion was on submitting my own personal letter to my insurance along w/ the needed paperwork.  Do you think the ins company would find it a nusance (sp?)?  Would it even be worth my while?  Have any of you done it and think it was helpful in obtaining the approval from your insurance?  Thanks for any input you might have!

In my experience, less is best. The less papers I send, the faster I get approvals from insurers. I send the items on their criteria list only. If it says five year weight history, I send one weight for each year, not 5 years worth of notes.  You risk getting denied with extra papers. The previous person who did my job would send the entire chart, 60 plus pages!!! No wonder she got so many denials, insurance companies would not sift through pages of crap looking for what they need. The easiest and simplest way is to send only what is on their criteria list.  I also frequently type and circle on the top of each page (if it is not clearly labelled already) nutritional evaluation, patient weight 2006, chest x ray 4/1/08, etc. It really clears up everything and brings attention to the paper for the reviewing nurse. Although it sounds like a good idea, a personal letter is usually awaste of time and trees. Your insurance does not care how you feel. They only care if you meet the criteria and they look for a reason to deny you so they do not have to pay.  I have seen some of the silliest denials, for people who weighed 425 in 2005 and 500 in 2007 get denied because they couldn't get a weight for 2006! Like they suddenly lost 250 pounds then gained it back in 12 months! UMMMM, lets see....maybe they weighed too much for their doc to weigh them? Anyway, best of luck! Hope you are on our losers bench soon! Bonnie RNY 6/3/05 264/154