OMG Insurance Approved I'm in shock

I am in shock and I am not sure if I believe it or not but I just got off the phone with HMSA and they said that I have been approved for a brachioplasty, an abdominoplasty, and mastopexy. I asked them to send me the approval in writing and they said I should receive a letter next week with the details. Could it be true? Do I dare hope that it's for real and that it's not some kind of mistake? I have a meeting with the plastic surgeon on 5.24.10 to discuss what to do first or if we do it all at once. I can't wait to have that approval in writing.

Ole

Congratulations.  That is wonderful.

red

Thanks Red!

Would you be comfortable sharing the specifics that got you approved?  I have no idea where to start.  If you could PM me that would be great if don't want to post here.  I'm so happy for you.  That is awesome!
Heather

Hi Heather,

I had documentation for the following issues:

Neck, shoulder and back pain that interferes with my daily life
Recurring Bicep Tendonitis which has not responded to conservative treatment.
Failure of medications to relieve the pain
Failure of non-surgical methods to relieve the pain (Physical Therapy)
Skin that hangs below the pubic region from both a front and side view which the physiatrist believes contributes to the back pain.

My physical therapist sent his treatment notes, the physiatrist sent in documentation detailing all the treatments we have tried, cortisone injections, lidocaine patches, oral steroids, and narcotics to manage the pain. My primary doctor sent in all her documentation for all the times she has seen me for these issues and all the narcotics she has prescribed as well as all the referrals to orthopedic specialists, physiatrist, and physical therapy.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need more information.

Ole

Thanks!  It sure does help.  I have some issues, but not sure how much skin/fat pockets will play a factor when I am finished losing the last 35 or so.  I see my dr. in a couple weeks, so I'll get her opinion. My big issue is back pain that I was hoping would be less by now. Congrats on the approval. Must be a relief.
Heather

Thanks Heather, it is a huge relief. I really did not expect insurance to approve all the procedures but I am so glad they did. We submitted requests for the three procedures figuring we had nothing to lose and I had run out of options to manage the pain and all the loose skin was interfering with daily life. I am so looking forwarding to being either pain free or just having less pain.

Good luck.
Ole

I just sent in my appeal 13 days ago and I had my pain management doctor send in a letter stating that I had exhausted all conservative treatments for my back pain ( 3 years worth of treatments). I also had the PS send a letter stating the obesity codes with California state statutes.

It's so amazing that you got it approved, I 'm really excited for you.