Has anyone used either lawyer to get reimbursed for WLS? I am on my third and final appeal to my insurance company and it is time to hire some "big guns". If you know of a good lawyer that you could recommed, please let me know that too. I tried to get a lawyer here to help, but they say the bottom line is that to fight it would cost WAY more than the surgery. These guys are my only hope!!!!

Thanks for your support.

yes i tried these guys and to no avail. lost all of my money so think weice and do oyur homework.

I used Walter and thought he was fine; didn't successfully resolve my situation. I know he's been successful with others. I felt it was money well-spent because I could walk away knowing I did everything possible to fight the insurance company.

I also think that hiring lawyers to fight the insurance company will end up costing more in money and time in the long run. Remember that insurance companies have attorneys at their disposal. And they are big dogs that can crush the little dogs in the court arena and kill ya with time and money out of your pocket. Have you thought about taking the money that you would spend on attorneys and doing a self pay option?????

Jenna-

I have already paid for my surgery out of pocket. I am now trying to get reimbursed. When I first called my insurance company they told me I would be covered. It was later that I was denied. They also denied me calling lapband surgery "experimental" I need someone to help me prove it is no longer considered experimental. That is why I need a lawyer that is experienced in this business.

If the cost of a lawyer is to high, I will continue to fight on my own.

Anyone that has anything they can tell me about these two lawyers (or any other) i would appreciate it.

Thanks for your advice!!!

M

Maggie,

Who is your insurer and is the policy through your work?

I had my surgery in 2004. My insurer is healthamerica and I do have it through work (federal employee). I did fight Healthamerica and won....they paid for my surgery. I have had a few problems and they paid for the surgeries to fix the band also....so I am thrilled. I am so happy that I fought my insurance company...best thing I ever did.

surgery was in 2005 !!

I am so HAPPY! for you. Did you appeal on you own, or use an advocate/attorney? I just completed a year of insurance co. hoops and appeals, and only then told that my employer's plan excludes Lap Band. At this point, I think I will ask Lindstron at obesitylaw.com to appeal the exclusion, if he will accept the case. I think he has as good a record as anyone and seems very sincere. Again, congrats!

Dan.

I think that Gary Viscio died last year. I had difficulty with my first doctor in getting insurance approval. I contacted Walter LIndstrom and found out that there is a program through Allergan that will pay the legal fees but the request has to come through the doctor. My doctor's office staff just flat refused tocooperate. I ended up going to Duke Weight Loss Center and was banded on 2/19/09 and the insurance paid everything. I found Walter to be very responsive and supportive.I would definitely recommend Lindstrom. If the insurance complany pays the bill, what can you lose. maybe the weight?

Yes, I have heard good things about him also. So, you're about a month out. How's it going?

Dan that happened to me as well, however Walter and company was able to get my surgery approved. Banded on Friday the 13th for good measure LOL. Check out ambiguity of the your policy's wording, that what helped me.

I was able to secure their services yesterday. I am greatly releived to have them accept my case. Walter called and we became friends almost instantly. Having dealt with laywers in the past, I don't see how they can do it for the price they charge.

So how areyou feeling?....Dan.

Good news Dan! I never actually talked to Walter, I think I talked mostly to Kelley. Eventually I am going to send them a DVD of me in a show, but I haven't gotten it back from the production co yet. The next show I am in I am going to send it, so they can see how they impact people's lives in a positive way! :tt1:

How am I feeling??? Well one week out and I took my dance lesson today. This past Tuesday was able to take bus ride over to Cape Canaveral to attempt to see a launch that was scrubbed which is about 2 and half hrs away... so I think very well actually. I am pretty excited.

Keep in touch and let me know how it goes for you. It certainly has been a rollercoaster for me. This one ends well though... I am already off my diabetic meds. :ohmy:

Take care!

M

I'm glad you got up with Walter. I was very impressed. I'm also impressed with Duke. Fast and efficient. I am a bit disappointed with the weight loss. I did great on the liquid diet but have slowed since I can eat soft food. I get my first fill on the 3/30. I'm also starting to chart my food intake on The Daily Plate. That is a very helpful thing for me to do. It helps keep me focused on what I'm eating.