GHI cbp?

Hello everyone, I hope this e-mail finds those of you who are frustrated by our insurance companies, a little less that, and for those of you *****cently recieved approval Congratulations! I have been denied by GHI cbp, stating basically that the LapBand is still "investigational". I am hoping that placing this post on this board, maybe I can find someone who also has GHI cbp. I was also told by them, that a 6 month supervised diet is required. Although, to me, it would be somewhat of a hardship, being I stay at home with my three young children and the only income we have is my husbands. Not sure if that will work for GHi, but thought it can not hurt. If anyone else has had GHI cbp, I would love to talk and "compare notes", as to what they required from you and whether or not you were approved on the first try. I did e-mail a few that I found through OH, who have the same insurance and were all approved on the first try, but I have not heard back yet. Any information would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you all in advance for your help, Laryssa

Laryssa, I just realized you have your surgery date coming up this week! What will you do if insurance hasn't approved it by then? Are you on your liquids now and getting ready for surgery as usual? I'm really impressed by how cool and calm you seem to be. If it were me, I would be going bonkers this weekend! If you have a chance, please let me know what's up. I wish you the best in whatever happens. Donna C

you go bonkers at first and then you get MAD and decide to fight so you have to try and stay focused. Donna

awwwwww Donna......My date has been canceled for now, hopefully postponed, while I fight my battle with my insurance carrier. You are too sweet, thank you for thinking of me. I need to change my profile, I recieved quite a few notes, congratulating me on my surgery soming up.. THAT makes it so hard too. I am wishing you all the best too, please keep me posted!! Laryssa

Hi, The lap band is not investigational it is FDA approved and ASBS also recongnizes it. You live in New York. So, you'll get one appeal. File it. Then if you're denied again, go right to the State for an external review. Don't file a second appeal or you'll waive your chance to go for the external review. NYS is great when it comes to this. It will be a delay for now though. But you'll get it done. Gary Viscio PS I cannot give you his name, but we had a client just recently with GHI in NY (suffolk county) who got the band approved.

HI Gary, Thank you so much for the information, I am right now, overly emotional and this appeal is making it so much harder for me. Did your client have GHi cbp? Laryssa

I am not sure if it was cbp. I know it was GHI for sure. We beat them on the external appeal to NYS. Just make sure your appeal says the lap band was FDA approved etc. ASBS has a copy of the resolution on their website as well. You shouldn't have any problems, just don't let up on them. Gary

Gary, Thank you it is such a toss between wanting to give up the fight and then getting so angry with them! Talk about frustration.... Laryssa

Uh, no. There is no giving up. Especially in State's like New York, where non self funded plans can go straight to external review after the first appeal.

hey, i have GHI and so did my friend, i was approved on the 1st letter, and my fries second...u will get approved!! keep on submitting those letters...i know u will!! aida