AETNA approved then denied. any help appreciated

sophielyn
on 10/9/10 3:19 pm
Aetna approved me verbally, then sent denial letter for revision. Their reasons are because (1)6 mos diet and/or (2) 3 mos multi behavioral surgery prep.  My surgeon is trying to get peer to peer.. they have granted it but playing phone tag.  In the meantime, I went to website and this is what I found re: revision.  My question is.. is does NOT state for revision the above is required.  Anyone have any tips on appealing this or what I should do.   I had original VBG in 1998 - lost about  80 lbs gained it back plus 50.  Current BMI is 47; high blood pressure; high cholesterol, (meds for all as of 3 weeks ago);  and my PCP decided to not treat for diabetes because I was having WLS this month (this was before Aetna took back their approval) Thanks for your help.

Repeat Bariatric Surgery:

Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction, stricture, erosion, or band slippage.

Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria:

  1. Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or
  2. Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or
  3. Replacement of an adjustable band due to complications (e.g., port leakage, slippage) that cannot be corrected with band manipulation or adjustments.

Nan2008
on 10/10/10 8:16 am - Midland, MI
Hi

I sent you a PM.  If I'm reading it right, you were denied because you did not complete their 3 month Multidisciplinary or the 6 month physician supervised diet.  I'm thinking that besides the Revision requirements, you also have to meet the requirements for bariatric surgery which would include a physician supervised diet, along with BMI >40 or >35 with 2 co-morbidies, and proof of 2 year history of obesity.

Check out the PM's I sent you!

Nan 

Nan

HW 300
/ SW 280 / CW 138 /
GW 140
Hit Goal 4/2/2010

        
sophielyn
on 10/10/10 8:55 am
thanks Nan.. I appreciate your reply & help :)
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