Aetna insurance approval steps?

[bandabear22 3]

I had my first PCP Appointment this week..She told me that I need to write a letter to my insurance company explaining every detail of why I need this surgery. Then she said I give it to her for my dr office to help me get approval from insurance while they look for a bariatric surgeon for me since there isn't one in the network. Meanwhile She ordered for me to get my labs done so we are ahead of the game..I have Aetna and I'm located in California.

Did anyone else have an experience like this?? Any advice is appreciated. All I know is I'm great at writing and this is going to be the best damn letter I've ever written. ????

[Crosby 303]

You need to call Aetna directly. There is some variation within Aetna policies but non of that was close to what I had to do. I did not even need a referral from my PCP to see my surgeon. I did need to see my PCP monthly for weigh ins and " weight management consults". There are other requirements as well but like I said it may vary so consult your provider.