Level 2 Appeal Tele-Conference~HELP

I got notification on Saturday that my level 2 appeal (15 minute tele-conference) will be this Thursday, Feb 17!! Has anyone ever had to do this? How should I prepare? I will have, as will UHC, a letter that my PCP drafted about me needing this surgery becasue it is medically necessary, but he will not be able to participate in the conference due to prior commitments (sp) and this being on such short notice. I kinda feel like they just SPRUNG this on us in hopes we wouldn't be ready!! I want to be prepared to the best of my ability. Any suggestions on how to prepare would be MUCH appreciated!!! Thanks, Cindy

Write out notes, make an outline. You will, trust me, get flustered and may forget things. 1. Go into your height weight BMI and health. 2. brief family history. 3. dietary failures 4. the fact it is medically necessary. remind them for 1,2,3 and 4 that they have documentation of it all and ask if they do not can you fax it to them. Be calm. Tell them why you want the surgery, that you're aware of the risks and re-enforce the medical necessity aspect of it. Emotional pleas do not help. If you have any questions, email or call me, no charge at all, I am not soliciting just offering to help. These calls are very casual. I would also look into the State law for where you are and the State they're calling from to see if it's legal to record the call. Also, take notes on who is attending the conference and what their specialty is. If you need another appeal or can appeal externally you may be able to show your case wasn't reviewed by a bariatric surgeon. Good luck, stay calm and knock em out. Gary