Ins. covers VSG/Dr. says it doesn't - frustrated

I am researching the VSG procedure for a family member.  They prefer not to have the DS because they fear they cannot follow the supplement required regime.  That is fine.  There is a surgery for everyone and I am not inviting comments on surgery preference. My question is this however.  I had a long conversation with my family's insurance provider, Humana.  They told me they cover ALL weight loss surgery.  I asked specifically about the VSG and the Vergito (offered only by Dr. Husted).  After a long wait on the telephone, they returned and reiterated that the policy covers ALL weight loss surgery, AND without specific requirement by preference.  ALL WLS are treated equal. When I approached my DS surgeon that does the VSG, but NOT the Vergito, I was told that he seriously doubted my insurance company would cover the VSG, since the insurance coding was not specific for the VSG and would not match other billing codes.  I am truly frustrated since I know for certain that my insurance company does not have specific codes for even the DS:  THEY TOLD ME SO when I changed my mind from LapBand to the DS.  DUH.  If all WLS are covered and the $$$ amount paid is the same, what difference does it make anyway!  (That's not a question; it's rhetorical folks.) It is enough to say that I am frustrated, since this surgeon is very respected by me and I would like him to treat my other family member with WLS.  Should I get a copy of my insurance policy and give him a copy?  Should I get a specific letter saying "YES, by God the VSG is covered" ? My concern is that there will be a request for extra monies up front which I will not be given back, when insurance actually does pay for the procedure.  I was also told by the insurance company that the procedure is covered and contracted physicians CANNOT ask for other funds according to their contracts with the insurance company. Your input is welcome.

The ins has approved the VSG since Feb this year. The code for it is 43843. Take this code to your surgeon and tell him to use it for approval. Skye

All your surgeon has to do is submit the letter using VSG CPT codes. What's the big deal?  It's what I do for a living!  The worst case scenario is you get a denial, the best is an approval and surgery for the surgeon. Your family member needs to go have the consult and get the docs to submit to insurance for approval, then they will have it in writing.