Question:
Can someone tell me what this means?

I received my Tummy Tuck approval letter from Aetna yesterday. It says the folowing has been requested and approved: Excision, excess skin and subcut tissue (incl Lipectomy) abdomen. There is no code on the letter. What exactly does that mean the surgeon can do? Does it mean he can do the vertical cut from breast bone down as well as the hip to hip cut? I am really hoping that's what it means since I have fat and loose skin above the waist area as well as the panni. I would like to get everything nipped and tucked that I can. (open rny 8-7-02 -118 pounds, current weight is 157 - 5'4") Thanks in advance.    — Margaret G. (posted on October 12, 2003)

October 12, 2003
The surgeon can answer this best but my guess is that they approved everything he asked for since it says "requested and approve". Consider yourself lucky as so far I have a denial but the way the letter is written they left the door wide open, so we are gathering info to resend.
   — zoedogcbr

October 13, 2003
Remember, the person typing the approval letter is just that. What ever your PS submitted is what the insurance company is approving. I went thru the simular situation. I have a full tummy tuck with muscle repair on July 8th. My PS removed 12 lbs of hanging skin from my abdomen. I loved it! Jeanette
   — Jeanette D.