Question:
Does the insurance companies check your dieting background?

I was wondering if the insurance companies check the diets that you say you have been on (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig..etc)or if they ask you for proof like records or reciepts? I have tried so many diet programs years back but do not have proof of it now.    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 3, 2001)

November 3, 2001
I would think that insurance companies have way too many clients/members to check up on. It takes them too long to just do what they are supposed to do! I have never had to report any receipts or proof of completion of any programs in order to obtain approval for anything. If your PCP has records, those should be enough as drs typically do not lie about their patient's histories. Good luck to you!
   — jenn2002

November 3, 2001
I don't think Insurance companies "check up" on the programs you have been on BUT, some insurance companies REQUIRE proof that you have been on a MEDICALLY supervised diet for atleast a year. Depends on your insurance carrier as to what they require.
   — Kim B.

November 3, 2001
Oh yes. You should prepare a list of all attempts at weight loss, starting as far back as you can remember. If you have any old Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem weight records, attach them, but most people don't keep those. You should include excercise programs, like joining a gym or aerobics class as well. Here's how I laid out my history: year
   — DianeN

November 3, 2001
Oh yes. You should prepare a list of all attempts at weight loss, starting as far back as you can remember. If you have any old Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem weight records, attach them, but most people don't keep those. You should include excercise programs, like joining a gym or aerobics class as well. Also be sure to include Phen-Fen, Redux, etc...and have your medical records that show there was medical supervision. Here's how I laid out my wt loss history grid (I did columns: year age diet weight wt lost wt re-gained Hope this helps. I had mine in hand when I went to my PCP to request a referral the surgeon. I also had a copy of my health plan's criteria for WLS. The surgeon will also expect a history from you, and having this written up in advance will help you fill out his required forms. Those forms will be used to sumbit the request for pre-certification approval to your health plan. GOOD LUCK!!! Diane
   — DianeN

November 4, 2001
There are as many answers to this as there are insurance companies. Some do, some don't. I have United Health Care. They didn't require or request a diet history and approved the Duodenal Switch over the phone... Good luck to you!!
   — [Deactivated Member]