Question:
Is this a denial? My insurance company wants more medical records.

My insurance company sent my information requesting surgery to an outside medical review board. I have been waiting and waiting and was finally told that the medical board wants more medical records showing that I have been on more medically supervised diets. I have given them a weight loss history since I was 12 years old. I am now 33. I have to admit that the only medically supervised diet I was on was Phen-fen, and I tried Redux for a 2 week period. I dont know what else I can do. I have no other medical records. I have fortunately been in somewhat good health and I work for a Dr., so if I have gotten sick they normally just gave me what I needed. I really dont have any other problems other thatn arthritis in my knees. I sent them a letter and my medical records from my Orthopedic Surgeon. Who, by the way says I need surgery on both my knees and he wont do them until I loose the weight. Should I get set up with a Primary care physician and hope they support me on this? any suggestions would help. I have no co-morbidities, i.e. high blood pressure or diabetes as of yet. any feed back on this would be greatly appreciated. I first saw my surgeon back in November and was told by the insurance company of this decision in January. I keep putting this off but I am getting really depressed and I KNOW I need this done. Thank you for helping everyone, I appreciate it.    — PNethery (posted on March 25, 2000)

March 25, 2000
My insurance co. did the same thing.. I just did what thay asked... and played the waiting game.. I'm sure that it will go through,,,,I wish you luck,,, just give them what thay ask for,,, blood if thats what it takes...
   — mary G.

March 25, 2000
My insurance company, Cigna, requested more information twice before they approved me. My surgeon wrote a letter on my behalf (he does this for everyone), so try that if you haven't. I was nervous, but this is major surgery, and not for everyone. Try to stay calm, and keep at it!
   — Kristin S.

March 27, 2000
My insurance company (Cigna HMO) also requested addtional medical records from my primary care physician and my GYN. This was to support that my obesity wasn't current and to document some problems I was having due to my obesity. I have no co-morbities. A second surgeon's opinion was also requested. I was approved 2 days after the ins company received this information. I, too thought that this meant that they were trying to deny my surgery. But thank Heavens that I was wrong. It was simply required my the company that all major surgeries have second opinions. So don't start fretting just yet.
   — Dawn L.