Has anyone appealed to see particular surgeon?

And, if so, would you care to share your appeal letter, please?

VSG is covered by my policy.  However, the particular surgeon I want to do the surgery is covered under a tertiary option only.  This surgeon is one of the few in the state that do the VSG.  There are no surgeons on my plan (other than in the tertiary option) that have done the VSG.  One, who has never performed a VSG, told me he'd give it a whirl.  I'm not very comfortable with that.

So, have any of you appealed to see a particular surgeon?  I'm not certain if this is common or not.  Any and all information about this is very much appreciated! 

Thanks.

 
You are probably out of luck.  It sounds as if your surgeon is covered, just not at a rate that he is willing to accept. It probably has everything to do with the rate your insurance is willing to pay vs the rate the surgeon is willing to accept.

Perhaps you can negotiate with the surgeon, but I don't expect your insurance company to budge.

I'm not sure if this will help BUT when our company switched to UHC there was not a locally covered chiroprator ( locally meaning within 30 miles).  We were able to call UHC and get an exception for coverage outside of network because of this.  They provide you with an exception #  that you will want to keep track of so when they try to deny coverage you can provide then with the # for reference.
I am wondering if this surgeon is the only Dr. in the area that actually DOES the surgery, if you would be able to get an exception. 
Just a thought!  Good Luck!