Question:
I need help dealing with this whole process and possibly some support.

I had my initial consultation with the surgeon months ago. I have been having many problems dealing with this process it is so overwhelming to me. I am so eager to have sugery, but I feel like I have hit a brick wall. I have still not heard ANYTHING from my insurance. The surgeon called months ago to say my insurance wanted "documented proof" of "medically supervised" diets. I talked to my doctor and she said she would write a letter for me. I have been waiting to hear from ANYONE for months. I know I should be calling people and bugging them. I just don't know who to call, what to say, etc. I hate sounding stupid and being unprepared when I make calls. I am in need of some help or advice...ANYTHING. Please feel free to email me [email protected]. Thank you all so much.    — Bekka B. (posted on October 18, 2001)

October 18, 2001
The first thing you should do is call your physician and tell them that you haven't heard anything for a couple of months and you would like to know if they have heard anything concerning the letter of medical necessity that was written by this physician. At that point the nurse will either say "oops!Its right here on my desk and I have been meaning to get around to it" or she will say if she has or hasn't heard anything. If they haven't written the letter yet, then I would tell them that you only have a certain amount of time to get that letter to them otherwise you will have to start from the beginning. I would also offer to pick the letter up and fax it to the insurance company myself.(That way they know you aren't going to forget about it) I would also call the insurance company and ask them what the status of my request is. Infact, I would call the insurance company first and they will beable to tell you if they have gotten a letter from your doctor. I also contacted all of my doctors. My orthopedic doctor, and my ob/gyn. They all wrote letters for me.
   — K T.

October 18, 2001
I know how you feel girl!!!! I was denied by my insurance.,changed jobs just to get Aetna., The Aetna kicked in Oct 1st. I saw my PCP on Oct 2nd. she was very supportive and even told me to write the letter and she would sign it !! But....... her nurse handles these referrals and she told me she wanted to change the letter. I have called her every other day to check, and she always says she's working on it. Tomorrow I'm calling to talk w/my doctor. Today when I called her and she found out it wasme, she told the sec. to take a message and she never called me back. So I'm going above her head!! She doesn't realize it will take time to get approved, and in Jan, my company will have new insurance ( not Aetna) so it's so urgen for me! Good Luck Let's keep our chins up
   — Cindee A.

October 19, 2001
On my webpage, http://www.lkdobson.homestead.com I give lots of useful info for WLS folks, including my own journey through the whole process. There is a section under "other useful sites for info" where you can go to find out how to fight insurance company denials, how to write a good letter, etc. etc. Hope you find some info here that helps, and if you do, please spread the word to your friends - word of mouth is the only way I have to get all this info out to people who hopefully can benefit from it. Best of luck to you !!! Lisa Dobson
   — Lisa D.