pitter

Does anyone out there have a sample letter of medical necessity for Medicare for lap band surgery? I am trying to get approved and need a draft I can give to my doctor. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Well, I had posted earlier that I was going to have to go alone out of state for my 6/6 surgery - got some good news. My mom, bless her heart, called to tell me that she made flight reservations for the same trip and was going with me, that I was not going to go alone for surgery!! Boy was I relieved. Don't mean to sound like a baby but I really wasn't looking forward to going through this alone and out of state at that, though I was prepared to do it anyway (the doctors didn't recommend coming alone). Just wanted to share my good news with you guys! You've been so supportive. I start my pre-op diet 5/30 and I'm getting excited! Good luck to all you June Bandsters!!!:thumbdown:

I was scheduled for May 5th but got a really bad upper respiratory infection so had to reschedule - June 6th is the date! I'm excited but a little scared as I am going out of state to have it done and my sister was supposed to go with me - since the rescheduling, she can't go - going it alone!! They don't really recommend that, but I don't have a choice. I feel more nervous now about it than I did before. I'll be in a different state for 3 1/2 days by myself - oh joy! I am determined though to get this surgery done, so I will make it. Wish me well, I will need it!:thumbup:

Well I previously wrote about being panicked at my upcoming 5/2 surgery for LB; however, since then, I developed a wicked upper respiratory infection and they have postponed my surgery. I'm a little depressed and not sure when I will be well enough to reschedule. After getting all excited about it and now having to wait. I had even made all my travel arrangements (hoping I can get my tickets - flying to Detroit - changed over or refunded) and now am having to try and figure out how to get all that moved to a future date. Just wanted to tell someone. I don't have much of a close support group and this forum has been so inspiring to me. I'm a little concerned because I've already had to miss work several days due to running a fever and basically feeling like crap all week. Now I will end up having to miss even more work when I do get the surgery rescheduled. Oh well, stuff happens and I just have to go on faith that God is in control and He will take care of me. Thanks for letting me vent!

COSkinnygirl, thanks for the reply. I am waiting on hearing from Continental about a refund or changing the flight dates - had to send an email as you can't get through on the phone!! By the way, though I haven't had my LB surgery yet, I have had many laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis and my gallbladder. If it is anything like those, I know what you mean about the gas pain. I faithfully took my pain meds and kept a heating pad on my upper back (that's where I felt it) - and you will need a week to get over that! Good luck to you and I hope you feel yourself again soon!! Thanks again for your response. You guys keep my spirits up!

Thanks Christine. Looks like your surgery is coming up very soon - I hope all goes well for you. Take care.

Hi everyone, I am scheduled for surgery 5/2 and for some reason find myself panicked! I have been having stomach problems since I found out and I really don't know why. I have researched this for 2 years and know this is the way to go. I know I have got to get this weight off and yet, the past 2 days I have been in an almost constant state of panic. I want to have this done, I'm ready and want to do it. I guess maybe part of the reason I'm panicked is that I will be having the surgery in a different state from the one I live in. I've had surgeries before so I know it's not that, I guess it's just the idea of being so far from home. Am I just being a big baby??? I know this is life changing and I am more than ready for the change. I just don't get it. Any of you experienced this? I'd appreciate a pep talk or two! Thanks. This site has been so informative and helpful to me, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your comments/suggestions.:rolleyes2:

Well, at this time the absolute "panic" has left me, though I'm still a little scared. I want all of you that have replied to my message to know how important you are, especially to me. I am single with no children and my support is somewhat scattered. You guys have been wonderful to me, with great suggestions like doing a project (how 'bout cleaning my house like crazy!!!) and leaning on my faith in God which has helped me tremendously. The comfort and support is awesome and it has calmed me and lifted my spirits. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will report back in as I get closer and after my surgery. I don't actually know you guys, but I love you anyway!!! Thanks from Texas!

You guys are so GREAT! I feel better having your support and advice. I know this is the best thing for me, just panicking a little. This forum is so helpful - not sure I would have half the information I have without it, especially all of the comforting support. Thanks again. You are all invaluable!

Thanks Jennifer, I needed that. I'm sure you are right. Appreciate it!

I hope to be banded soon and this list will be very helpful! I'm going to print it and stock up! Thanks again.:biggrin2:

I haven't been banded yet but hope to be so shortly!!! I'd LOVE to have a cookbook. Let us know when it is ready. I'd buy one for sure! What a GREAT idea!

I'd tell her at your next visit. No point in worrying about it anymore - get it over with. I just had my Psych eval and my Psych mentioned she wanted to lose some weight too! I say go for it!!! It will be okay!:cursing:

Medicare is paying for your plane ticket? I thought they just paid for the procedure.

I've been going through Beliteweight and they tell me that I can supply them with the LMN and then take the MMPI 2 test in Detroit the day before the surgery. They assure me Medicare will approve, but what if they don't? Is this risky? My Psych doesn't give the test and it would save me money as the test in Detroit is free; however, I'm concerned about what happens if Medicare doesn't approve? I can't self pay as I am disabled with BiPolar II Disorder (stable on meds). Should I try and find someone locally to administer the test and just cough up the money ahead of time first or go ahead and take the test in Detroit? :confused2:

I have an appt. with my PCP tomorrow (had sent him a draft LMN) and am wondering if anyone has ever had a problem getting their PCP to do a Letter of Medical Necessity. I obviously have the BMI (37.2) and have GERD but included codes for Sleep Apnea (for which I have all the symptoms and my dad has it!) but haven't been tested for it, also have high cholesterol and triglycerides and painful joints. Just curious if anyone has had their PCP turn them down. Thanks.:confused2:

Thanks! The place I am planning on having the procedure at is a COE thank goodness.

Well, I went to my PCP today and he says he has no problem doing the letter. Yeah! Still it is just one step for me as I am on Medicare and I understand they can put you through some hoops to get approved. Anyone on Medicare ever gone through this before? Any tips or advice?

My appt. is tomorrow morning. I will let you know how it goes. I sure hope I don't have to try and find another PCP. Since this one has seen me for awhile, I'd think he'd be the best one to do this. I will let you know how mine goes. Did you bring a draft letter for your doctor to sign and show in it the co-morbidities you have?

Maya, Thanks so much!!! Was this letter for Medicare approval?