Question:
Has anyone been approved WITHOUT medically supervised weight loss attempts?
Hello to all! My insurance co. (Aetna) requested medical records documenting medically supervised weight loss attempts. Unfortunately, my various attempts at weight loss have never been medically supervised, so I've been asked to provide a letter detailing my attempts to lose weight, co-morbidities, etc. My question is this: Has anyone out there been approved for surgery with simply a personal letter (no clinical notes from a doctor)? Your comments are greatly appreciated! — Lidya W. (posted on November 10, 2000)
November 10, 2000
I was fortunate enough that my insurance approves the surgery without all
that. My doctor had told me that she would write a letter or whatever they
needed. Maybe you can talk to your doc. If they know you have been
struggling, they may be able to help. GOOD LUCK.
— Gina K.
November 10, 2000
Hi Lidya: When I had my initial appt. with my surgeon, he asked me what I
had tried, and I told him from memory. He wrote a letter to the insurance
company, and I was approved within several weeks. They did not require any
documentation of the information presented to them in the letter. I hope
that you are as fortunate! Good luck!
— Jaye C.
November 10, 2000
When I went for my initial consultation, I had a list of my weight loss
attempts and the successful loss and inevitable regain pattern. However,
the only thing that went to the insurance administrator were statements in
my PCP's letter and my surgeon's letter referring to 40 years of repeated
attempts at weight loss followed by weight regain.
— Nanette T.
November 11, 2000
Lidya: My ins. co. BlueCross/BlueShield of ND required a medically
supervised diet of at least 3 months in the past year. So, I immediately
went to my doc and he put me on a diet. I came in once a month to be
weighed and have blood pressure taken. I didn't lose a pound, and I was
approved in one week.
— Cindy H.
November 11, 2000
i got approved with out any
— KELLY G.
November 11, 2000
Yes, I was approved by UHC, Select Plus, POS without any documentation of
medically supervised weight loss attempts. Good luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
November 11, 2000
aetna did not ask for any additional info. from me. i think because of my
weight they just ok'd it
— m53 r
November 11, 2000
Lidya, my primary was Acordia, and my secondary was CIGNA. Neither carrier
required anything but a letter from the surgeon...no referral from the PCP,
and no consultations from psychologist or nutritionist. The surgeon simply
asked my to list my previous weight-loss attempts as best I could. Good
luck!
— Diana T.
November 12, 2000
Like the previous post, all I had to do was list my previous attempts as
best I could. My insurance was Mailhandlers. They paid 100% of hospital
& about 70% of everything else.
— Kathy W.
December 22, 2004
Hey There, I just received a denial today from BCBS for this reason. I too
do not have medically supervised weight loss attempts. So im in lingo about
what to do now. I know i need to write an appeal letter, Im just trying to
figure out what to do or say. Let me know what you find out o.k..thanks
— Julie B.
December 22, 2004
I was approved without any medically supervised diet. I did list out all
weight loss trials. submited paperwork to insurance approved two days
later. I have blue cross.my sister in law had entna I took her two times to
get them to approve
— kellyt
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