Question:
MY BMI IS NOW 38 AND NOW THAT I HAVE COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED ALL MY APPEALS MY INSURANCE

SAYS THAT I HAVE TO START OVER WITH A NEW PROCESS. START THIS AGAIN. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I CAN ASK FOR THE PREDETERMINATION MYSELF OR DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE SURGEON TO START ALL OVER AND IF SO, DO I HAVE TO PAY THAT HIGH CONSULT FEE AGAIN. I AM NOW HAVING KNEE PROBLEMS AND MY ORTHOPEADIC SAYS THAT I MAY HAVE A TORN CARTLIDGE FUNNY HOW WEIGHT BEARS ON YOUR KNEES. I HAVE A MRI ON 9-5-03 AND THEN I MUST SEE MY PCP OF 6 MONTHS AND WILL DISCUSS AND ELICIT HER HELP FOR MY WLS. ANY HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.    — CINDY D. (posted on September 2, 2003)

September 2, 2003
A lot of surgeons do not charge initial consult fee's. If you go through a surgeon he can right the letters of medical necessaity your insurance company will probably ask for.
   — M B.

September 2, 2003
If you saw a bariatric surgeon when you initially requested benefits for surgery that was denied then that same surgeon should see you again without another initial consult. If you're using a different bariatric surgeon you'll probably have to pay the consult fee. However, you could ask the office manager and explain the situation though I imagine you will still have to pay it. Best wishes to you and keep fighting! It's worth it!
   — ronascott