6 Month Dr. Supervised Diet ?

I'm looking into surgery and I have seen that some people have needed to have a 6 month doctor supervised diet before being approved. I was wondering exactly what counted as a "doctor supervised diet". Does something like Weigh****chers count? Monthly weigh-ins and visits to the doctor? Any info would be very helpful. -Maria

Maria, It depends on what the requirements are from your insurance. I have CIGNA and they required a doctor supervised weight loss plan that included monthly weigh-ins for at least 6 consecutive months along with doctors notes on type of plan, progress, and any prescription drugs used. Hope this helps you. Greg

Maria, As Greg says, it all depends on your insurance company, the day of the week, who gets your claim, and how you're holding your mouth on the day the claim is recieved. My insurance (BCBS PPO TN) never said anything about a 6 month supervised diet, however, my Doctor had my weight and xenical for 6 months previous to my applying for approval. Keep gathering information, calling your insurance, get yourself as armed and ready as you possibly can because if they say they won't need it, chances are that will be the one thing that they will say they need in your first denial letter LOL ....Good luck hon, we are all here for you Hugs, Carol

I had to have a five year diet history with weights and blood pressures. I didn't have to have a 6 month supervised diet history. My monthly weigh ins and blood pressure checks at the doctor's office were good enough for approval. Anne

This is not an insurance requirement but a suggestion from the National Institute of Health. Their bulletin is the guideline most often used by insurance companies to deny your request for coverage. Do not become discouraged. Go see your primary care physician and explain to him or her what you want to do and that you need him or her to supervise a six month diet plan for you. Have them recommend to you a dietician and go see that person. Weigh****chers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystems, etc. do not count. It has to be doctor supervised.

Breaking thread here Hi Timothy, are you seeing Dr. Oxley for surgery? I attend his seminar on the 20th, my packet of paperwork was mailed out today. If you are, would you email me and tell me what's he like? I would appreciate it, his coordinator, Pam, has been so wonderful. Thanks, Kathy

Hi Maria, some insurance companies require the 6 month weigh in's and Dr. supervised diet programs. Katie Marsh's insurance denied her until she completed a six month diet program and had monthly weigh ins. Even Nutra Systems counts because of the weigh ins. I did nutra system and it counts for my attempt to lose weight, and failure to maintain it. My Dr. doesn't require it, but my Medicare does. So all I have to do is get copies of my past medical records for three years to show my weigh in's. Best of luck sweetie, be patient and do what ever you need to do to get approval with the insurance companies. It will be well worth it in the end. Kathy

Hmmm... My doctor nor did my insurance deny, or make me due the 6 month diet program. I think you have me confused with someone else! I got approved for the surgery 3 times, and was approved each time the first time around. I had great doctors, willing to help me. And I have a long list of medicial crap - which I rarely talk about. -Katie