Question:
Can someone please email me a draft of an appeal letter?

My freind got a denial letter in the mail last week, and she is so distraught, she has nearly given up. Well, I'm her force of nature right now and I want to help her gain her perserverance and determination back. So any type format would help me help her. Thanks, Paula    — cocodrop7 (posted on March 25, 2009)

March 25, 2009
You will find multiple appeal letters....there are good ones in "Weight loss for Dummies" book, and if you google Weight loss surgery appeal letters you will get some.
   — kfgates

March 25, 2009
Hi Paula, Why doesnt her DR. write the letter? That is thier part of the process..isnt it? Mine did everything that was needed. I wish yous the very best!!
   — tootsie52

March 25, 2009
Thanks, I will check out that book. Her doctor told her it was her responsibility to file and appeal. His staff is of no help either.
   — cocodrop7

March 25, 2009
Try including pictures. Like a photo history covering at least 5 year span (I included at least 2 from each year) and we all have pictures which depict the truth about our weight. It does help to let them have a visual instead of just a written appeal. Good luck cee
   — ceecee127

March 26, 2009
I agree with what others say. I work for an insurance company and I can tell you from experience the first thing she needs to do is talk with someone in the appeals department and find out what the entire appeals process is. Most insurance companies have 5-7 different appeals you have to go through! It is totally insane. Her denial letter should have said what her next option is, but she needs to know that if there are multiple levels of appeal, it really doesn't matter that much what the first few letters say. But she does need to start gathering documentation on studies that have been done that prove that weight loss surgery works. The best study is a swedish study that is considered the longest and most inclusive and gives great undeniable information. That can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine, do a search on the internet for Swedish weight loss study and it should come up. At every level of appeal send article that you have found that puts a positive spin on it, save the Swedish Study for one of the upper level appeals. Get your regular doctor and your surgeon to write letters stating your absolute need for this. My doc had a great appeal letter that stated state laws on appeals and my rights if something happened to me due to the denial. It is a long a tedious process. If you can afford to hire (I think it runs about $500) the Obesity Law firm, they are great and will tell you if you have any chance of winning before they take your money. (I think it is ObesityLaw.com) Anyway, good luck and be patient you have a long road ahead of you. But it is totally worth it.
   — brindledanes