level 2 appeals?

**I deleted most of this because it was pretty long-winded.  Basically, now I'm needing help figuring out exactly what a "level 2 appeal" is, and how to go about doing one once I've notified the insurance company that I want to pursue it.

Don't rely on your surgeon's office to send anything. Get your records, make copies, write a lengthy detailed appeal letter stating how sick this enlarged pouch has made you and submit your own appeal. If BCBS Anthem is anything like my BCBSNC, the second level appeal will be conducted from someone (a medical doctor)other than a BCBS employee, the insurance company will argue their point (via telephone conference), the patient gets to state why they feel it should be overturned and then the medial doctor asks a few questions and they make a decision whether or not to uphold BCBS's denial or overturn it.  See if this is what your 2nd level appeal is, if it is you have a good chance. Your explanation in this thread is a good start for an appeal letter. Best of Luck

My level 2 appeal was basically a review by a surgeon that is employed by BCBS. The Level 3 is when the info is sent to an outside service that can then overturn the insurance company.