Hi Everyone,

I am doing a little research before I submit my paperwork. Is it better to send all information upfront (i.e. physician letter, medical records, documentation, etc) or should I send a physician summary letter first and then submit the rest of the info if asked? By the way, my insurance carrier is Aetna, my plan is Aetna Choice POS II. Any information is appreciated

Soon to be

SkinnyChick

Send in everything you have right away. You are only allowed so many appeals, and you don't want to waste one because they deny you rather then ask for more info. I would call and find out exactly what is required and submit at least the minimum requirements. I also submitted a personal letter about the pain I suffered from my weight. (knee, back and emotional pain) I called Inamed and sent in a Lap-Band packet too as my insurance considered the band experimental. ~Mandy

Absolutely correct, Mandy. Skinny, Aetna has a detailed list of their requirements readily available and you should refer to that to make sure you've done your homework. Your doctor, in any event, is the one who will make the request for surgical precertification (not you), so HE is the one who should marshall ALL the paperwork and details to present to Aetna. All you can do is help get it together, keep copies of everything, and call Aetna three days after your doctor says it was submitted to make SURE it's been received.