Question:
Ins.co.approved wls, precert co. requires more info, psych, nutri. consult utri

Two weeks after surgeon submitted letter to my ins. co, I received a letter from my ins. co. saying they were approving the surgery. When I called the surgeon's office I was told that the precert company, Intracorp, requires a psych. consult, a nutrition consult, and a letter from my family doctor clearing me for this surgery. Why, if my ins.company has approved this surgery would the precert company be asking for all this? I called my ins. company and they said they thought the precert company only determined the number of hospital days they would allow. Also, I don't have a family doc, just a cardiologist, gyn doc and orthopedic doc. Do I just need to go to any family doctor and tell them what I need?, a little overwhelmed here.    — Linda S. (posted on October 26, 2002)

October 26, 2002
Had the same pblm with Intracorp. But then I found that they were working hand in hand with GHI, my primary insurance. I complied with their wishes, nutritional, psych.. they even wanted a thyroid test. Once all the documentation was sent in, I was approved in 24 hrs. Good Luck.
   — Steve B.

October 26, 2002
hi linda most of us went the other route it looks like you went backwards on geting approval but at least you know your approved it a good thing. Here's how I did and yes the whole thing is overwelming, I saw my doctor first and gave her a nice written out letter on why I want wls and i gave her my diet history and family background (related illnesses that run in the family) She wrote up a letter of medical nessitie for me. then the insurance company had me see a phych and a dietician and then I saw the surgeon who ordered more pre-op tests ecocardio gram upper endoscopy ultrasound of my abdomen also had to get a blood test done. I also had to go to a pulmolgist lung doctor so I was nervouse but i got through it and am having surgery on 04-nov-2002 my day to shed the old me and come out a butterfly and you to will do the same hang in there the best thing to do is to talk to people in your area who knows a good doctor who is for wls. good luck
   — sheri B.