Question:
My insurance wants a second opinion

I was told on the phone by a lady at the ins co that my ins. wants a second opinion. Has anyone had to go through this and did you have to wait as long with the second dr to get news from the ins. co. I started this process 6 weeks ago and now I need to go to another dr and resubmit all the paperwork this is really getting to me. Do you think it will take as long? any experience out there?    — Diane S. (posted on April 13, 2000)

April 13, 2000
Diane, this sounds weird to me. A second opinion about what?? Your obesity diagnosis? Or a co-morbidity? An obesity diagnosis is pretty straightforward - you either are or you're not. If surgery is a covered benefit, then they are obligated to approve you - to not do so would be acting in bad faith. Best of luck!
   — Kim H.

April 13, 2000
Could they want this because the only dr I have had contact with is the surgeon who does this procedure and it would be to his best interest to approve me for this surgery. I have Healthlink PPO so I did not need a referral from my pcp.
   — Diane S.

April 13, 2000
Diane, are you in a hmo or ppo situation? Why can you not see another of your plans physicians for that second opinion?
   — char T.

April 13, 2000
Whatever you do - stick it out! This is the first test they are using to see if you will back down. Stay firm and focused and let them know you mean business and that you WILL have this surgery! Good luck!
   — Paula G.