Question:
Tummy Tuck?/Healthnet, Delta IPA HMO??

i have lost my 160lbs of excess wt, everyhthing pretty much tightened with the exception of the bottom half of the ab, aka apron. has anyone had delta IPA healthnet hmo and had it covered. I called and they said yes if med nec. We all understand that. any suggestions on who to get the referral from, the wls surgeon which i see next tues. or my primary physician. any suggestions or letters that can assist in getting this accomplished also any sites that have pics and info on getting it done. in San Joaquin valley any dr. rec's for central or north. calif. thanks for all your input. patricia    — Patricia C. (posted on January 18, 2002)

January 18, 2002
I asked my WLS surgeon for the name of a plastic surgeon he would recommend, then made an appointment & went to see him. With my ins I don't need to go thru my PCS. Both Doctors wrote letters to my ins co & my panni was approved recently, after the second appeal. The approval actually was based on the WLS surgeon's letter rather than the plastic surgeon's letter. PS's nurse said that's common cause the WLS surgeon has worked with me for more than 18 months & had more history & documentation on me. My ins co is different than yours, but thought I would share.
   — Kathy W.