Hi all - I'm really stressed. My insurance denied my DS surgery. My surgeon is appealing. She's very experienced with this an is tenacious. Surgeon wants me to keep attending pre-op classes/appointments and stay on the schedule for surgery June 14! (Insurance person at her practice says they will likely have an answer w/in 15 days).

While I hope I win the appeal, I have to ask: if I'm denied again will I be on the hook for the many doctor's visits, nutritionist, psychologist, pre-op testing, etc. that have led up to this?! Why don't docs confirm the insurance *first* before getting patients in the pipeline and giving what may be false hopes?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Do what the doctor states. Insurance may find many reasons for denial thay may not have anything to do with coverage, it could be a single paper not signed, something missing during the submission process, etc. Keep going and don't give up! ?

Yes, keep going. Hopefully it will all work out, but it was your responsibility, not the doctor's, to confirm coverage. GreenTealael is right, there are lots of reasons for a denial.

A year ago I had a surgery date, was ready to go, and insurance denied. Then I was 38 BMI so I needed a co-morbidity. I have sleep apnea. But when they submitted to insurance, they were told my SA was not "bad enough". You had to have 20 interruptions a night, and I had 15. My surgeon even appealed and did a call with United Healthcare herself. I was so devastated. A year later I was at 41.3 BMI and didn't need a co-mobidity. I've been going through the pre-op requirements, and I've lost weight and am down to 39.8 BMI. I was really concerned that I won't be approved, but then was just diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (now I have a solid Co-Morbidity) so I'm feeling hopeful. I guess I'm telling you my story to say "Chin up". It will happen for you. But it is a good idea to call your insurance company.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand your coverage. It will involve calling your insurance company and asking LOTS of questions. I was on the phone 30-40 each time but I knew exactly what I was responsible for, what was covered, if I would be approved, etc. it’s a pain, but totally worth it