Question:
Would a letter from my podiatrist help in the approval process?

My primary insurance is through BC/BS State of Alabama. Secondary insurance is with BC/BS PPO. I have heard that they are pretty picky. I wear orthotics and saw him a year ago.    — Sandy H. (posted on June 13, 2003)

June 13, 2003
I have Kaiser, and I tried to get the surgery in 99 and was denied, because I only had 1 co-morbid condition which was high blood pressure. Last year in 2002 I was diagnosed with arthritis in my feet, so I tried to get the surgery and I succeeded because of having 2 co-morbid conditions, my surgery was May 16, 2003. Good Luck to you, I hope this helps Linda Lang
   — Linda L.

June 13, 2003
It sure can't hurt!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 13, 2003
I got one and the surgeons office said "Great, everything helps!" So go for it!
   — kariebelser

June 13, 2003
I have BC/BS and heel spurs so yes.. the fact that you had to go to a podiatrist will help with your approval.
   — Rhonda S.

June 14, 2003
I have had severe arthritis in my ankle for years. I have seen alocal podiatrist for treatment, at one time he referred me to a foot & ankl othropedic surgeon for a consult. It was that foot & akle surgeon who first recommended that I research and look into WLS, because I wasn'ta candidate for the proposed ankle surgery, the foot & ankle surgeon suggested strongly, and in writing to my podiatrist that I have WLS. I included that letter with all of the others, if should help, but won't stand up as the single deciding factor. The more signals, such as arthritis in the feet and ankles, the more the insurance companies may realize that without WLS intervention, that you may become immobilize or wheelchair bound, which will lead to more complications and expense to the insurance company in the long-term.
   — David F.

June 14, 2003
I think it would help, BUT go and see the podiatrist again soon, so your record will be current (a year ago isn't current enough for most insurances) The fact that my knees were "on the verge" of going complete out, and the fact that I have osteoarthritis in my ankles, really helped with Kaiser approving me. They are incredibly difficult when it comes to approvals and wouldn't take my sleep apnea and GERD as enough co-morbidities. The knees and ankles going really "sealed the deal" for me. (note: the knees are much better now after 101 lbs. lost, but the ankles are still bad, and now the osteoarthritis is in my feet...so not everything improves...arthritis, I think, takes its own course in some cases, whether you have surgery or not). Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 14, 2003
Absolutely.
   — Bonnie