Question:
What do I need to take to my first surgeons appointment for Aetna PPO?

I have AETNA PPO that is kicking in shortly, I already have my surgeons appt...what should I take to make it go more quickly with the insurance??    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 4, 2001)

August 4, 2001
I have not been approved yet and I also have Aetna US Healthcare, PPO. But, here is what I was told to bring with me for my first consultation. A list of all of your comorbidities, especially ones that have been doctor diagnosed (and the date and the name of the doctor that diagnosed them). A list of any surgeries you have already had, including dates, where and by who. A list of all weight lose attempts you have made and how much weight you lost, along with dates and then the amount of weight you gained after the diet, etc. If it was a doctor supervised diet, make sure you state that, giving the doctors name. If you can obtain a copy of the Doctors records about your diet, even better. A list of any medications you are currentaly taking and any allergies to medicine you are aware of. And even though it wasn't requested of me, I provided a list of every weight lose book I had ever read, every weight lose/exercise video I owned and used, every piece of exercise equipment I had ever bought, every health club memebership I had purchased and finally, a statement by me expressing my desire for a new, leaner and healthier life. My surgeon felt that the extra effort I had put into my personal file could be used very favorably in getting me approved. Hope this helps. I would guess that each Doctor has his/her own list, but it doesn't hurt to be overly prepared. If you have information that you feel is relavent to WLS then I would take it to your consultation.
   — Susan M.

August 5, 2001
You should call the surgeons office and ask if they have a packet to be filled out. Ask if they can mail it to you(or if you're close enough go pick it up) so you can have it completed before the visit instead of doing it in the waiting room before the visit.
   — Linda M.

August 5, 2001
Hi there, I have Aetna HMO and they are very specific in what they want from the patients. The previous postings are helpful but keep in mind that if you fit the specific requirments by Aetna--there is an extremely good chance of being approved. Just make sure you are prepared with all your facts in order and proof to back it up. Just as a side note. I was told Aetna is one of the best to have for this surgery. E-mail me if you have any other questions I can help with! Good Luck!
   — ningrahm

August 5, 2001
I also took a list of all olf my obesity-related problems, i.e., can't walk more than 1 block without tiring, aching legs and feet, can't climb stairs without hauling myself up, need to use handicapped parking at work, etc.
   — Kathy J.

August 5, 2001
I also have Aetna insurance. Be sure to have your referral from your PCP. I would also get medical records from any doctor you went to for medically supervised weight loss. I was turned down by Aetna because I did not send the records from the medically supervised diets I was on. I have since sent them the medical records and am waiting for approval. This has slowed down the process by about a month. I have known some people who did not send in the records, just had to give the name of the doctor but some had to send in the records. I am not sure why since it is with the same insurance company.
   — blank first name B.