Question:
Need advice please

Hello there! I am 9 1/2 months post-op and down 137.5 pounds. I have my plastic surgery consult tomorrow. I have all my photos ready - front view, side view, back and thighs, and close ups of my rashes and boils. I have a letter from my PCP and my gastric bypass surgeon stating it's a medical necessity that I have plastic surgery. Do I write a letter to bring with me also or do I do that at a later date if I get denied? Is the first stage of approval left in the hands of doctors? Thanks!!!!!!!!!    — stacey L. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
Generally, your plastic surgeon will submit an approval letter to your insurance company along with your documentation. If it is later denied, then its time for you to write a letter to appeal the denial. Hopefully, the plastic surgeon you are going to will be familiar with the process.
   — Lisa N M.

February 23, 2003
I wrote a letter the first time to explain what it was like to live with the symptoms etc. I did medical review for PS for years and it was very important to hear first hand what the patient's symptoms are and how it effects their life. My PS doctor wrote a medical necessity letter (required) and saved the other doctor's info for a possible appeal, which wasn't needed. Each doctor does it different. Best of luck!
   — ZZ S.