so, i think i have learned a lesson trial by error. i found a surgeon, i knew that lap band was covered by my insurance carrier, AETNA ppo. but what i didn't know is that the surgeon was not in my network. so, now i am waiting for the insurance company to approve a referell i had to submit asking that they treat him like he is a network provider and allow me to choose him to do the surgery. anyone had this happen? any help would be appreciated. just stressed. :whoo::help:

Hi Stacey,

Typically, insurers will only approve an exception like the one you describe if there is truly no one IN the network within a reasonable distance to provide the care. Is there some specific reason you can't use someone else, other than personal preference? If not, and you're determined to stay in-network, you may have to switch physicians.