Question:
Has anyone written a letter to their insurance company to try and get pre approval??

Hi, I have First State Health Plan, wich is a MEDICAID HMO. I know that they are not very fond of approving gastric bypass surgery.... I also have to have my gallbladder removed due to attacks/stones.... Has anyone written a letter to their insurance co. for pre approval? I am really hoping to have both surgeries done at the same time, but I'm afraid I won't be approved for the gastric bypass. Does anyone have a sample letter I can take notes from? I am not very good at writing.... especially letters so any help would be GREATLY APPRICIATED.... I'm hoping I can get them to pre approve my surgery so I can get the ball rolling quicker, and eliminate these painful gallbladder attacks... I have my surgery consultation in 2 days and want to be as prepared as I can... I am sooo hoping I can have this done... I'm ready for a major change!! Thanks soooooo much for your help!!!!! ~Crissy~    — Crissy P. (posted on July 23, 2002)

July 23, 2002
Hi, I wrote my doctor and he included my letter with his recommendations and I had approval in two weeks. It won' t hurt if you inform them of all your health problems in writing. My doctor appreciated it because it showed I was very serious and was not going to give up. Good luck to you.
   — Christina J

July 24, 2002
Hello, I honestly don't have any information myself (but wanted you to have more than one response). Have you checked the library on this board? I haven't accessed it myself, but I would like to try it the next time I have a specific question. Also, many members here have lots of examples. Grace Marshall Hadle of this board has a site called "www.gracem97.com" that seems to offer ALOT of information. I haven't accessed that either... I'm taking alot of notes for future reference!!! Good Luck... I'm on Ohio's Medicaid and hoping to get through this process! Sincerely, Kristy Marshall in the Dayton, Ohio area
   — kristy713