I’ve recently started the process for getting the surgery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. I’m curious to know about whether the support group requirement tends to be an insurance requirement or just a requirement of some specific centers. I really hate support groups for a lot of reasons. For one, I’m deaf and there’s a major communication barrier even though I use cochlear implants, and it’s even worse now that everyone wears masks. For another, I’ve had experiences with support groups of other kinds before and I just don’t do well in those environments. I’m blessed to have many people I love and trust in my life, including people who have had this surgery, so I don’t need a group. I don’t need to attend something that’s going to be useless for me unless it’s an absolute requirement for insurance. If it’s not typically an insurance requirement, I’d like to know that. Does anyone know whether this is a requirement for insurance in most cases? Also, please do not try to convince me that I’m wrong to believe what I do about support groups. I know myself and my needs.

In my case, it was the surgeon's requirement. I don't think I had to attend very many - maybe two or three? I didn't really keep up with it after that. It was on the other side of town, and at 5:00 pm on a Monday. It was hard for me to get over there after work in rush hour traffic.

it was a requirement for my program -- to go to 2 group classes (supposed to be 3.. but.. that dang covid) but a support group wasn't required. it was optional.

i would check w/your insurance.. most of the time, from my understanding, it's a program thing if it's required.