Mental eval.

Well, I got my first denial letter from Aetna. Has anyone gone to Dr. Benson in Portland for their mental eval? I was denied surgery because he said no. His reason was because I did not deal with my depression problem. Well I saw him for about half an hour in Aug. I filled out all those stupid questions. When I left his office he said if I ever have a problem to call and make an appt. Also to be careful after surgery because depression always sets in after that type of procedure. He NEVER told me I needed treatment or even gave me a diagnosis. I was TOTALLY shocked when I got the letter from Aetna. I don't quite know how to approach the situation. Yes, I am angry and I feel he just wants a few more bucks. I went to him because the staff at OHSU said a lot of their patients go to him. I am open for suggestions on what to do next. Of course I will call Robin at OHSU later this morning and find out what Dr. Deveny recommends is my next step. I only have 15 days to appeal and if I need an appt. with someone that is not likely in the 15 day time frame..... Hope everyone out there is not as frustrated as I am.. Happy Monday to All. Tanna PS thanks for letting me blow off my steam.

Hi tanna, I don't have much advice really.. but I would call and schedual an appointment with him and ask why he said this and also play it up.. make him feel like the all important dr. that he thinks he is!! ask "what can I do to deal?" and do what ever he says!! I'm sure that's what he wanted to begin with!! but of course do what you said and call your program people and find out what they want you to deal with.. and just my opion if you do have any depression issues and it is available to you, this process will be much easier if you are seeing someone to help you through it.. probably NOT him as you are going to have negative feelings twords him but someone, anyone!! "for me" and many people I have read about on the main board all is good for the first year.. your on a huge natural high loosing all that weight and feeling so awesome about yourself and and and.. then the weight stops dropping and life settles in again and then bam your faced with the same crap that got you to be xxx amount of weight to begin with.. anyhoo, good luck and hope all goes well the next 15 days to get this started again Theresa