Does anyone have AETNA?

Hi,

Just curious if any of you have AETNA and have been approved recently.  It is time for me to submit the info and I am nervous the dr office says everyone has been getting denied!

I don't have AETNA but I wanted to welcome you.
If you do get denied find out on what grounds they are dening you. It could be some simple paper work.  Call your insurance and make sure they have your paper work and double check all the requirements.  You also have to remember that just because someone else has the same company doesn't mean they have the same policy. Every company writes their own policy just like you might have the same car insurance as you friend it doesn't mean you have the same coverage.
Call your insurance makes ure they have the paper work and double, triple check that you have met all the requirements.
Good Luck,
Robin

I have Aetna, and had no problem getting approved for both the original RNY last year and the panniculectomy in July.  Just make sure that you provide them with EVERYTHING they ask for. -- especially the documented weight history from your physician... that seems to be a big one that cuases people to get denied by them -- and be sure that if you do the 6 month or 3 month supervised programs that they are the FULL TIME (e.g., to complete three full months, you usuallly need to meet with the doctor FOUR times).

All the insurance companies are getting increasing numbers of requests for approval for various WLS procedures, and the rpociedures are expensive so they are really trying to follow the rules to a "T" (which means denials if you didn't provide every piece of info requested).  If you DO get a denial, get a copy of yhe denial in writing, which will document the reason for the denial, and provide whatever information they want and resubmit it.  I have not heard of people getting denied once they have addressed the initial denial reason(s).

Lora

Hi Jaime,

My daughter has Aetna and she didn't have any trouble getting approval.  Just make sure you have all your i's dotted and your t's crossed and the rest of your ducks in a row. If the doctor is telling you that about no getting approved, does he feel you are not qualified?  I wish you luck.

Hi Jaime,
I just got approved by Aetna a couple weeks ago and it took them all of TWO days to approve me.  I was thrilled!
Cindy

I have Aetna and was approved in May for my July lapband surgery. You can call Aetna and they will point you to a document on their web site  that details Aetna's process and requirements for surgery. I could not find it myself. My approval took 5 days with no issues. I had asked my surgeon at the onset about Aetna and how friendly they were to bariatric surgery. He said they were about the middle of the pack and a little more on the approval side. -- Tom