BrooklynBandster

Hi, all you friendly and helpful folks - I need your help. I've heard from some sources that Aetna requires documentation from a physician of each of the past five years of obesity, and from others that they didn't need this. (I don't have that documentation, though I've been obese for over 20 years.) Is this going to stop me from getting coverage? Also, I've now heard that a bunch of people have gotten approval using the 3-month multidisciplinary diet/exercise program. For anyone who has: did you need documentation from an exercise specialist, nutritionist, PCP, and mental health person? Or just the last three? And if I've been seeing a therapist for years but she's not in-network, could she still count in that program? I appreciate all your help in advance! :ranger:

thanks, you two. spunky - i'm assuming you had surgery with either dr. ren or dr. fielding? i'm glad to hear you like them, and that they don't require the 6 months of supervised dieting. i would really like to get this covered by insurance, but i'm not psyched about the idea of waiting six months for them to tell me that they've decided not to cover me anyway for some reason. you're right, they clearly count on people dropping out. do you mind if i ask if you were self-pay or insurance?

Hi, all - I'm considering getting banded, and live in NYC. It seems like everyone recommends the NYU group. I meet all of their requirements for surgery, except for one: the six months of medically supervised dieting. Don't get me wrong - I've absolutely dieted for at least six months at a time, several times - just not under the direct supervision of a doctor. But do I need to do it again before they'll consider me? Has anyone dealt with this issue before? Thanks in advance!