Aetna

[tamlalynn 13]

So, I was approved for the sleeve but denied for removal of the lapband because it is not medically necessary. I am confused. Has this happened to anyone?

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[silverthreads 183]

Appeal--that makes no sense!

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[tiffanymarie6997 115]

So, I was approved for the sleeve but denied for removal of the lapband because it is not medically necessary. I am confused. Has this happened to anyone?

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I was approved for the sleeve but denied for my hiatal hernia to be fixed. My doctor said he will be repairing it anyways as it is necessary for my sleeve to be as successful as possible. If the lap band will interfere with your sleeve success, hopefully your doctor has the same mindset as mine. I would definitely ask your surgeon about it.

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[waterwoman 181]

My experience was similar - I was approved for the bypass, but denied for the band removal. My surgeon's office called the insurance company, submitted the paperwork a second time and I was approved.

Keep at it!

Best of luck to you.

[itsforever 2]

I don't know if my removal would have been denied, but because I had really bad acid reflux I assume that is why it was covered. Do you have any complications with it?

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I don't know if my removal would have been denied, but because I had really bad acid reflux I assume that is why it was covered. Do you have any complications with it?

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[tamlalynn 13]

I am actually approved. The notice was indicating that the Surgeon would not be paid for 2 procedures. They just had to change some codes. Officially approved!

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[Mburk72 13]

So, I was approved for the sleeve but denied for removal of the lapband because it is not medically necessary. I am confused. Has this happened to anyone?

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The sleeve is the more expensive procedure, so most doctors will go ahead and take out the band if that's what u want, during the time of the sleeve. I work in the OR, the removal of the band doesn't require anything extra that isn't already there for the sleeve.

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