Question:
Is Aetna PPO good about approving wls or will you have a battle on your hand..

I don't have any attempts on record of trying to loose weight.. but i have tried a lot of diets and things over the past 9yrs.. im only 19 and i hope they don't deny me because of me being so young and nothing on record to show attempts...... please.. any info would be great!!!!! thank you :)    — NIKKI B. (posted on September 28, 2001)

September 28, 2001
I have Aetna, and they were really good after they got my paperwork straight. Your BMI is a big thing (at least 40), and also co-morbidities. You should do OK if you have your ducks in a row. GOOD LUCK!!
   — [Anonymous]

September 28, 2001
My approval took 4 days with Atena and I pay my cobra myself. If your medical situation warrents it, high BMI of 40 or more accompanied with obesity related conditions such as, hypertension, diabetes, gout, arthritis, asthma, sleep apena...ect, your changes are greatly increase for approval. Also and important factor is: the doctor's office staff and how well detailed and organized they are about the approval request process. My doctor's office assistant Joan is an angel. I didnt have to do a thing, she handled it.
   — Gwen M.

September 29, 2001
I also have Aetna Open PPO. I have not seen my surgeon yet but I have had constant contact with Aetna for the past 3 months. Make sure you have done your homework--have a list of all weight loss attempts since childhood, how long you attempted, estimated amount of weight lost and how much was gained and so on. I included exercise programs, gym memberships, WL meds--anything that would help me out. Have a letter to Aetna stating why you feel your health is compromised (use the one on this site), a letter from your PCP and letters from any other health professional. Aetna likes to stall but stay on them and you will be just fine. Keep track of all phone conversations with them because they all have a different story. Aetna is really good about approving this surgery! Good Luck!
   — jenn2002

September 30, 2001
Aetna will approve you. They are one of the easiest. But.... You must have your ducks in a row. 2 attempts at weight loss under medical supervision, including medications, BMI of 40 w/o co-morbids or 35 w/ co-morbs. And that's bascially it!! good luck
   — [Anonymous]

September 30, 2001
I also have Aetna. Be sure when your surgeon sends the paperwork to Aetna to get approval for surgery that you also send the medical records from any medically supervised weight loss attempts. My surgeon did not send the paperwork in from my medically supervised weight loss attempts and I was denied. After I sent the paperwork in to Aetna I was approved and it slowed down the process by about two months.
   — blank first name B.

October 4, 2001
My Aetna PPO plan approved me in one day!
   — nmroxie