Seminar Tomorrow

[JeriB 0]

Goodmorning everyone! I am new to the board and love reading all these posts/topics...I am learning sooo much. I have my seminar tomorrow and first consultation is Friday. I looked up my insurance plan online and it looks like they only need 2comorbids and pre-auth. Since I have had 2 back surgeries and 1 knee...I think I have the comorbids covered!??!!? Just nervous....want to get this done ASAP...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE!!

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but the most common co-morbidities recognized by insurance companies are hypertension, hypercholesteremia, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. If the surgeon who did your back surgeries can fully document that your obesity caused your back problems, then that would probably count as a co-morbidity, but depending on your insurance policy, it could be a harder sell.

So after saying those discouraging words, I also want to welcome you to LBT and congratulate you on starting your weight loss surgery journey.

Jean

[prettysmart1913 48]

If you have a good surgeon they will ensure that they test for things like sleep apnea. Don't get discouraged. Go through the process and let the doctor guide you.

[cindroo 57]

I have had back surgery and they did count it as a co-morbidity. My weight did not cause the back problem, but it prevented full healing. And that is the only co-morbidity I have....but I have a high family history of diabetes and heart disease so they took that into account. I was approved for surgery and am scheduled September 26th.

[JeriB 0]

well after reading this i admit i am discouraged... I have no diabetes,sleep apnea,^bp or ^cholesterol...just bad back and knees....

[JeriB 0]

@cindroo....this post must have come in while typing my reply! I have a long family history of hypertension,diabetes and ^cholesterol. My neurosurgeon already said that I may need another laminectomy within 5yrs if I stay the course I am on...I just need to keep my head up...thanks for the words of encouragement....Insurance companies are such a crap shoot

[cindroo 57]

Insurance companies can be hard to deal with...my pcp is a believer in the lap band and he worked really hard getting it approved, along with the staff at my surgeons office. Good luck!

[Banduser 3]

Going to the seminar is a great start! You will learn so much. I suspect they will have insurance people there. We filled out LOTS of paperwork at the seminar i attended and I received a call 2 days after my seminar. The program I am in did not set up a physician consultation until insurance approval was obtained. The MD office should work with you to do everything possible to get you approved. I was banded 3 weeks ago tomorrow with my first fill coming on Oct. 3rd. So excited! Some post-op pain issues but doing well. Good luck!

[Rojasanoll 920]

Talk with your family doctor and explain your family medical history with him. The doctor can write a short synopsis on WHY you need the surgery.

Best wishes and hoping everything goes okay.