Question:
Is a hypothyroidism a comorbidity?

My daughter was denied by her ins. co. She has appealed. While waiting to her about the appeal she found out she has hypothyroidism. Should she let the appeal board know this? How can she use this to her advantage when working with the ins. co.? Thanks for any help you can give us.    — LaDonna S. (posted on May 26, 2003)

May 26, 2003
Yes. It is a co-morbid. I've had it since I was 8, and when I called the insurance company to find out what the status of my request was, I had a very chatty person that answerd the phone, and informed me she didn't see a problem with me being approved, as I had hypothyroidism for so long. I wish you the best luck, and God Bless. 5 weeks out, down 29 lbs.
   — mellyhudel

May 26, 2003
I have been hypothyroid for over 10 years, but I do not consider it a co-morbidity. It is not something I will die from, nor will it be "cured" when I have the surgery and lose weight.
   — Carolyn M.

May 27, 2003
I believe that if you dont take your medication when you have hypo or hyper you can eventually get sick and die, plus hypo ends up putting weight on you because of an underactive thyroid which also can be controlled by medications.
   — Debi Rouilliard

May 27, 2003
Hypothyroidism can be considered a co-morbid condition. However, if her appeal letter has alrady gone in, it likely won't make any difference.
   — koogy