I found an attorney who says he thinks he can help me through the appeals process, but I am hesitant. Has anyone had any luck with the help of an attorney, and if so, who??? Thanks...

I have not personally used an attorney but have heard that obesitylaw.com is a good resource and are quite effective.

Thanks .... I filled out their online form, so I guess I wait. I have been waiting since January to have this done, so what is a little more waiting? I will be the most patient person on the planet when this is all said and done!

Kelly Lindstrom helped me with my appeal and I was approved by Cigna. She was wonderful and I felt like she was on top of my case - always returned calls, emails, no question was too silly - she was great!

Shelby .... is Kelly Lindstrom part of obesitylaw.com? And, did you have an exclusion on your policy?

Yes she is with ObesityLaw.com and WLS was covered in my policy. I was denied alot by Cigna - all administrative reason (they didn't keep all my paperwork together, etc). But that's the norm with Cigna - deny right away and hopefully people will go away.

Does your insurance cover WLS? Or is it excluded?

It is currently excluded, but was not excluded 6 months ago.

Talk with the Lindstroms (Walter & Kelly). I find they are straight shooters - if they think they have a chance of winning for you they will let you know and visa versa. I belived since you have already submitted your paperwork to the Lindstroms they have 30 days to respond to you. For me it took about that long with them. Once they accepted they were always available.

Keep checking your policy - it may be covered 6 months from now. With mine - Lapband was excluded at one point for experiental reasons and then it was fully covered. Don't give up - get all your facts. There is always self pay but I know that is easier for me to suggest because I'm not paying for it. I will you luck!

Thanks Shelby ... Walter emailed me last night and asked me to fax them my denial letter and a copy of my policy that talks about exclusions. That was quick! He wants to look it over before he offers me his services. I appreciate that! After all, if I my denial stands, I will need all the money I can get to self-pay. We shall see....