Bracioplasty approved by insurance

Had a consult with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Adam Lokeh,  on December 1st (I think) he decided he was going to submit a claim to insurance, but informed me it was very rare to get the procedure covered, but I thought I would give it a try. I contacted my PCP to have her write a letter as well. I sent the letter from my PCP and the pictures I had taken of the rash I get under my arms to Dr. Lokeh's office the second week of December.

Surprisingly, I got my approval letter, dated December 23rd, on the 30th of December.

Needless to say, I was very shocked and surprised at how quickly it all happened and honestly very shocked that they approved so quickly, I was ready to have to write an appeal letter and everything.
 

Surgery is scheduled for Feb 8th! I am very excited, but now that it is "real" I am very nervous as well. I just keep looking at my arms trying to imagining what they will look like without all this extra stuff.

Just had to share my good news!

Congrats...That gives me hope...My surgeon office called today, visited with them Monday, and they advised that my BL may get denied because it is not a reduction...If it does I will just do EVERYTHING with Dr. S in May but your post gives me hope.

That is wonderful news. Congrats! Can I ask what insurance you have? Best of luck to you.


Claudia

Thanks Claudia! I am very excited. I just can't imagine what it is going to be like to not have all this extra skin and fat under my arms!

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

They approved my brachioplasty, but denied the breast reduction. I am in the process of getting my documentation together to submit my appeal.

CONGRATULATIONS, this gives me hope.  My PCP and WLS surgeon both have documented my rashes under my arms and in the panni area.  It was suggested that I ask for a copy of my new records everytime I go in order to make sure it is on there each time.  Well it is, I am hoping that I can get my arms approved as well as my panni area.  I will upgrade to a TT with that.  As far as a breast reduction, hell I need some added in that area.  I went from a 42DD to a 38B/C depending on the bra.  I literally have sagging water ballons very flat and long.  I'm afraid a lift will reduce me to an A :-)  I'll pray some way some how I can get this done.  If not I plan on send Dr. S some pictures to see if he can help.

I have BC/BS of Indiana so we will see!!

I was worried about a breast reduction as well would reduce me to nothing, but the doctor said we could try so we could get it approved by insurance. I went from a 48DDD to a 40DDD, but the triple D's are not the same, now like you they are fla****er balloons. I think most of what is in my bra is extra skin. I am going to appeal the denial for the breat reduction. Since I am a DDD, I would be ok going to a D, but we shall see. I have to say I was really surprised that my insurance covered my arms so "willing". I was sure I was going to have to appeal, especially after all I have heard about how hard it is to get them covered. I am very happy they are covering it though. I think like you I will do a TT when I my panni removed. All I can say is pictures, pictures, pictures. I honestly think that is what got my arms approved. I had a short letter from my PCP, which really only documentated the dated I have been seen for the rashes, the letter from the plastic surgeon and the pictures I had taken. Pretty much every time I get a ra****ake pictures. I have folders and folders on my computer of this stuff.

Good luck!

Good for you!!  I LOVE my new arms!!  The first 2 days were tough for me as far as not really being able to bend my arms and needing a little help.  I was never in much pain.  I have some pics posted and need to post some new ones.  I'm 3 weeks out now.

Laura