First Consult GREAT.. Insurance Changed DISAPPOINTED

[3sonsitk 16]

So yesterday was my first initial consult with the surgeon, Dr. Amit Taggar with Florida Surgical Weight Loss Center. I'm currently 5'5, 256 with high cholesterol. I am so ready to have this surgery so that I can stop the medication train before it gets too outta hand. I was planning on a late January to early February surgery due to Aetna only required 3 months with a Nutritionist. Boy was I in for a surprise. My surgeon informed me that Aetna now requires 6 months supervised visits with the Nutritionist and that the plan changed this month. WTH?!!?!

Oh well.. I can see this is going to be the longest 6 months of my life. During this time, I will focus on losing weight and exchanging bad eating habits for good ones. Thanks for reading

[Machalo 283]

Oh man, what a bummer! I'm on Aetna too and now I'll have to call to check on that. It used to be six months and I was thrilled that it had been reduced to 3 months; if it's gone back up to six ... ARGH! I see my team again next week so I'll be sure to ask that question to make sure we're still on track. Thanks for the heads' up.

[3sonsitk 16]

Yup. Double check with your Dr.'s office. The surgeon stated he had received more than normal denials and it was due to the policy changing this month. He said 60 % of his patients have Aetna. He also said he could possibly use 3 months of weight loss visits from my PCP because I saw them for weight management prior to deciding on the sleeve. I have to bring him the medical records for him to review on my next visit.

[ChubRub 1,696]

Oh No! I have Aetna too! I go back to the Dr in 2 weeks, so I will talk to them about it. Boo!!!

[Machalo 283]

I have Aetna and just had my NUT appointment last Thursday. My insurance did not change, woohoo! I was worried that it might have after looking at this thread, but it's rules for bariatric surgery are still the same within my company. @3sonsitkMaybe your company stopped carrying the insurance rider for the procedures or something? @ChubRub have you checked with your version of Aetna yet?

[Briswife15 889]

Sorry you have to wait an extra 3 months! I, too, had a 6 month nutrition requirement. The time doesn't really drag, because there are other requirements too. In the whole scope of life, these extra 3 months won't teally matter much, but I know you're disappointed. Hang in there.

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

[ChubRub 1,696]

On 11/4/2019 at 3:11 PM, Machalo said:

I have Aetna and just had my NUT appointment last Thursday. My insurance did not change, woohoo! I was worried that it might have after looking at this thread, but it's rules for bariatric surgery are still the same within my company. @3sonsitkMaybe your company stopped carrying the insurance rider for the procedures or something? @ChubRub have you checked with your version of Aetna yet?

Such GREAT news!!! I'm so happy for you!! I see the surgeon on Monday, so fingers crossed that I'll get similar news!!!!

[3sonsitk 16]

Congrats. My particular Aetna plan changed 10/24/2019. My surgeon asked to review 3 months of med records for when I saw my PCP for weight loss as he may could use them. Tomorrow is my first appt with the nutritionist. Praying that I only have to 3 months.