Question:
Just got my appt for consultation for lap bypass

I really need some advice on where to go from here. My appt is 1/15/02. Do I need to get all my pre-approval info prior to the visit, what exactly do I need? I was given at # for someone for the psy from office. I've never seen a pulmonology doctor before..do I need to see one? I am confused about the dietary hx. Most of the diets were unsupervised..I know that will count off alot. I'm confused about my medically necessity letter. I will be switching from Avmed(who wiil not cover)..to Cigna who I hope will. please offer me any help you can, I know If the surgery is delayed it will probably be my fault, since I'm confused about all this paperwork.    — teresa A. (posted on October 18, 2002)

October 18, 2002
I'm having WLS on 11/11. Before I went for consultation, I called my insurance company to find out if WLS was covered. My insurance company did cover it as long as it was medically necessary - over 100lbs from your appropriate weight. Some insurance companies also want you to have some co-morbities. I have asthma and some arch problems but that's it. I then created a chart with all the thousands of diets I tried - supervised or not. When I went for consultation, the office staff had me complete about 10 pages of information. My diet chart came in handy! From there they did the rest of the work. I was lucky that my insurance does not require you to get a phych workup or pulmonologist visit. My consultation was August 2nd and I had a nice discussion with my surgeon. It was helpful that my Mother came with me. During the visit he actually gave me a surgery date! The office staff faxed over my pre-determination to the insurance company mid-September and I approved 2 weeks ago! No pressure needed. I think every insurance company works it differently just make sure you take notes and get all the info you can. It will all work out in the end!
   — Colleen S.