Question:
Should I send my letter to insurance?

My surgeon is about to send my information to insurance. They do not send mine. I spent a lot of time composing that letter. But, they told me that their letter will include all of my trials and failures along with the PCP letter and psych eval. I just thought that my letter captures more of the emotional aspect as well. Do you think I should just trust the surgeon's office manager or ask them who to send my letter to? I don't know if the emotional appeal means anything to them anyway. Suggestions??? Thanks everyone!    — emilyfink (posted on April 24, 2002)

April 24, 2002
I don't think it's necessary to send your letter. Your surgeon's office deals with insurance companies all the time. They'll know what to send.
   — garw

April 24, 2002
I agree. Unfortunately, writing your letter may have been a waste of time. Insurance companies have certain guidelines gy which they approve/deny. They really don't care about your emotional outlook. I spend 3 hrs. drafting a really impressive letter. My surgeon glanced at it, smiled, and never even sent it to the insurance co. I got approved anyway within 2 weeks.
   — Terissa R.

April 24, 2002
I would save your letter in the event that you need to appeal a denial. I would not send it in on the first submission.
   — RebeccaP

April 24, 2002
If your Dr. is confident in their info, I would just wait and see what happens. Most insurances really don't give a hoot about the emotional distress of being overweight. An emotional appeal will probably only hurt you rather than help. Good luck.
   — Dell H.

April 25, 2002
I have a different slant than the other posters on this. I do agree that the insurance companies don't care about emotional pleas. I would ask the surgeon's office if they will give you a copy of what they are sending to the insurance company so that you can make sure all of your medical conditions, etc. are included. In my case, the surgeons office sent in my request for surgery. They did not give them enough of the medical necessity. The insurance company wanted a letter from my PCP which she was in the process of doing. I sent my own letter of medical necessity and within 24 hours was approved. Good luck!!
   — Joanie J.