Question:
Has Anyone Else Been Denied Due To Thyroid Test Results?

I just called BCBS GA HMO and was told the Dr. disapproved me because my Thyroid panel came back not in the normal range. (this is the first irregular result I have had since being diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago) They said I can appeal, which I will, has anyone else experienced this. I never expected to be denied for my Thyroid.    — powersz (posted on April 7, 2003)

April 7, 2003
I was told that they don't perform surgery on individuals with Thyroid problems, because that causes weight gain, so it would be pointless. I am pretty sure that having a normal thyroid is one of the quidelines for having the surgery. Good luck on your appeal.
   — Jaimie L.

April 7, 2003
I have hypothyroidism and currently taking synthoid. I had my surgery on 11/06/02. This was not a problem for my insurance or my doctor.
   — Sharon F.

April 7, 2003
This should NOT be a problem. At most a doctor might want your hypothyroidism to be well controlled on meds but it is not a contraindication to this surgery. I take Synthroid 0.2 mg and had the surgery with no problems. Good luck!
   — Kate G.

April 7, 2003
I had a reply written and re-read your question. You say that insurance did not deny you, the Dr.(surgeon or PCP?) denied you based on your thyroid results. If you have been approved by insurance, the Dr. will probably release you for surgery once you have normal thyroid results. I would question though why you found out through insurance that your Dr. denied you. He should have told you himself.
   — Carolyn M.

April 7, 2003
I take synthroid and had absolutely no problems getting approved because of it. My surgery was 1/20/03. Since your tests came back irregular, maybe your DR. only wants you to wait until you get it regulated.
   — Shelly T.

April 7, 2003
the reason you were deinied is probally becaaause they wish to correct the imbalance BEGFORE surgery ....when your thyroid is not at the right levels it WILL interfer with healing you werent turned down permently i am sure but just till your TSH levels are in the normal range...this is for YOUR OWN GOOD .... they ALWAYS check thyroid levels before ANY surgery (i have had 14) and will delay if they come back abnormal!!! because of how it efect the healing procsess!!! also i wamt to adress the person whpo said they dont preform this surgery on a person with thyroid dissease ...this is just totaly untrue....they just will not do ANY operation on someone who has UNCONTROLLED thyroid disease bekka
   — bekka K.

April 7, 2003
I just wanted to clarify my question, The Dr. that denied was the Insurance Company Dr. The person in medical management refered to him as Dr. Williams I assume he was the person who approves or denies. It was not my PCP or Surgeon. I am on synthroid and have been for 3 1/2 yrs, my Dr. didn't even change my dosage when the results came back irregular. The test I took 2 months later was normal but the Surgeon had already submitted the original test. I quess all I can do is appeal.
   — powersz

April 7, 2003
I was diagnosed with hyprothyroidism when I was 9. I currently take 150 mg of levoxil, and was told by my surgon that was one of the reasons I was approved so quickly. I have UHC Tennessee... My surgon has been working with my pcp closely to make sure they stabilize and stay that way before surgury, so I will heal better. That would be the only think I could think of as to why you would be denied. If it's normal though, you have grounds for an appeal. Good luck, and God bless!!
   — mellyhudel