Writing 1st letter to insurance...suggestions?

I've gathered all of my medical records. Made copies of my insurance card. Now I am writing the letter that we are supposed to send to the insurance company to beg for approval. Any suggestions? BTW, I've lost 13 pounds with 23 to go before being approved. Melissa

My insurance didn't ask for a letter from me. They wanted one from my primary doctor. Congrats on your weight loss. I'm sure you'll get the weight off to meet their requirement.

Melissa, I did not have to write a letter either, I actually had letters from all of my doctor's in support of this surgery a total of five in all. From what I have heard it is best to just send the letters from your doctors, insurance information, and medical records. Wait and send a letter from you until you get a denial, if you get a denial. Which surgeon are you using, because they should be directing you with this information? Good Luck, Shelia

In my packet of "things to do" that I received from the seminar at Centennial, that was one of the things to do. They even included a sample letter. This letter is in addtion to my PCP's letter.

Well I guess then you need to do it, maybe some of the Centennial patients can help you with this, sorry I did not have to do this Shelia

Melissa Cox, I had to write a letter for my insurance. Make sure you write about your health issues and how hard it is for you to bend down and tie your shoe string or play with your children. How tired you are all the time. Talk about how you wish and want a healthier and happier life for you and your family. And how you dream of one day not having your joints ache with pain. And make sure mention that you are so detemine to stick with all the requirements of the WLS. ALso mention that you know what will happen if you do not follow everything your doctor tells you. Like your stomach stretching out and you gaining weight again. Something like that. If you want I could send you a sample of what I had in my written letter so you can get a fair ideal of what they want.Just email me your email address. Mine is : [email protected] Your friend, Tina Cannon

Melissa I went to Centennial and I never got a letter to write to the insurance.. Are you sure its not a letter IF you get totally denied, and have to appeal? There is a process that after you are denied so many times, three i think, that the patient actually has to submit an appeal, kind of like a grievance against the insurance's decision, and is that the kind of letter that it is? What does it say? I am not sure... you could call centennial and ask, "Is this something i do right now?" But... let me tell you... I wrote a few of my own letters! I was getting geared up and ready for if/when they made their third and final decision saying "NO"... I never had to use it.

Melinda R, My insurance company required all it's clients to write a personal letter stating your willingness and deciation to the surgery. And how much your are in need of the surgery what you expect from the surgery. Basicly a letter of you pleating and begging for the surgery. And your telling them how much you know of the surgery too. I did not have to write an appeal's letter. I got approved on the first try from my insurance company. I know not many are as lucky as I am with that. I did fail my first therapy session with this one therapist who was not even okay to get the test and did not know how to go about it. But my second one I went to three meetings and pass instantly. So I hope everything comes out in the end for all of you. And never give up. Your friend, Tina Cannon

Hi Melissa. I wrote a letter to my insurance company (based on a sample I found online). However, it was after my denial. I can still provide you a copy if you would like to review it. Just send me an email and let me know if you want a copy. My email address is [email protected]. But basically you just want to include that you have completed everything that they required from you and what your medical problems are and how being overweight effects your everyday life. Basically just spell it out how "medically necessary" this surgery is for you. I hope you get a quick approval! Misty