Question:
Has anyone used obesitylaw.com's attorney to help reverse a denial?

I'd like to know if anyone has been successful getting an insurance denial reversed by using an attorney? I went to Obesitylaw.com and was encouraged by the material posted there. I haven't been denied yet, but I feel it coming. Thanks for everyone's help!    — Kimberly S. (posted on December 5, 2002)

December 5, 2002
You feel you'll be denied,WHY? or an Exclusion in your policy. Both are different. Denials are easier to get overturned than an exclusion. I do know a girl however, that not only got her exclusion overturned, her company threw out their exclusion clause because of the letter Walter Lindstrom wrote.
   — ZZ S.

December 5, 2002
I hired Walter Lindstrom, I was denied for not having any "conventional therapies"! I believe that means I did not have a 6 mth supervised diet by a DR. Walter sent my letter to Aetna on Nov.20,2002, Yes just a few weeks ago, it seems like it has been forever! Aetna has 30 days to reply. Hopefully I get an answer for Christmas! I did talk to a lady who Walter got hers over turned for the same reason! If I get denied again he will still fight it threw other appeals. I went ahead and paid the max $1100.00, but his prices go from $450. and up to that. Well i figured I had to do this or pay cash, which I don't have nearly enough for WLS! Good Luck! Cyndi
   — CYNDI B.

December 5, 2002
Don't be so quick to hire Mr. Lindstam. I was denied twice. Spoke with Lindstam's office, and they said they could help, but it would cost. After I sent in the last ditch effort of paperwork, I put on the bottom of my letter "cc: Walter Lindstam", and Aetna called me with a hearing date. After I accepted the hearing date (not having a clue to what I could possibly say in my defense), they realized I was not backing down and approved me. I have minimal co-morbids and my BMI is 42 and I am approx 110 lbs. overweight. So there is still time to do things for yourself. Unless you specifically don't meet the requirements.
   — doubleh

December 6, 2002
I used Walter Lindstrom's office to overturn a denial. We actually had to fight my employer. not the insurance. They were a big help and it only cost me $450.00--much less than if I had had to pay for surgery myself. I am 3 days postop and so glad I am on the other side.
   — Pat R.