Having a nervous breakdown

Hey everyone. I talked to my attorney who is handling my appeal today. He said that BCBS of Alabama will not tell him anything over the phone due to HIPPA laws. He asked that I call and take the name of the person I talked to and to see where my claim stands. I called BCBS of AL and ended up in tears (not while on the phone with them). They said that they had sent out a letter dated 9/7/95 that stated that I do not have documentation of 6 months of physician supervised diet. OH MY GOSH. I can't take anymore of this crap. I talked to my PCP at a visit that was documented before starting weigh****chers on 2/18/05. I went to weigh****chers meetings and then to the dr. to weigh in a document and talk in March, April, May, June, July, and finally in August. I completed my diet August 20, 2005. I have had it. I have been crying and had my head under the covers. My eyes are swollen and I just feel like I'm dying inside. I hate my job, I hate my life and I just wanted this one thing for "ME". Am I selfish? Don't I deserve to have this surgery? I'm going to cry. Beth

Sorry everyone. I didn't mean to be a whiny pity party person. I shouldn't have posted this message feeling sorry for myself.

You have every right to post how you feel. Im so sorry your having to deal with this crap! I am guessing the letter of 9/7/05 is a denial? Stick it to em, and file a lawsuit if it is. This is such a trivial reason and obviously not true. Insurance companies are betting you will take whatever they dish out. Prove em wrong, and hang in there! Sandy

Oh Beth!! (((((((((((BIG HUG))))))))))))......You are absolutely entitled to your feelings and your pity party. Have it, wallow in it and then you will get up and come out swinging. I don't have any experience fighting insurance companies but know plenty of others here do......so I can't offer any insight in that area but know that I love you and I'm here for you. I'm always just a phone call or email away. Let me know what I can do for you I'm keeping you in my prayers Kim

Hi Beth, I am so sorry you are having such a difficult time getting approval from BCBS. The last time I saw Dr. Freeman, I told him that getting WLS is like a rare opportunity in life to get a do-over. This surgery was a lifesaver for me because I was headed for a heart attack, stroke, etc. Dr. Freeman also talked about the logic BCBS is using to make it hard to get or to deny WLS. According to him, BCBS says that statistics show the average length of employment with a company in the U.S. is three years. Therefore, BCBS feels that if they pay for the surgery, they will not reap the benefits as far as improved health of the employee. It is simply a 'business' decision. One that sucks. You are such a sweet person and I will pray that soon you will have your approval. Do not give up--get angry--fight them suckers. Love ya' Jacquie

Hey Jacquie, Thanks so much for your post. I will continue to fight for this surgery because it is for my health. I deserve this!!! I work my butt off as a nurse taking care of others and I don't know how much longer I will be able to do it without weight loss. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks again, Beth G