Re:my insurance (Medical Mutual)

[Guest guest]

Well, I decided to call my insurance today to see who was handling my claim

and to see if they needed any additional information. When I called the main

number, the operator said I needed to call the Medical Review Dept, but they

only talk to the doctors so I should have the doctor call. Well, I called

myself and after having to dial about 15 times finally got put on hold for 15

min and then talked to a nurse. She said she didn't have any record of my

letter. That the Dr. had to fax it to Medical Review. She asked me what

type of surgery I was having and I told her weight loss surgery (like an

airhead type) and she said " gastric by-pass? " and I said (airely) I don't

know what they call it! (thanks to the warnings from Dawn and Chris).

So, I called Hess' office and they are going to fax the letter, even tho they

always mail them in. I asked at his office if I should also send in my diet

history, and she said to wait until they request it.

I am hoping they don't request it and they just approve......but we shall see.

It is also because of and (who saw Dr. Hess this week and

already got approval) that I did the follow-up call. And, as warned

me, they can " not get it to the right department " and cause delays! I also

documented when I called and who I talked to, because of this list.

I'll let ya know how things progress.

Carole

[Guest guest]

Carole,

Good girl!!! When it comes to the insurance company keep all that knowledge

of yours to yourself!!!!! Takes a lot of self control!! You of all people

say " I don't know what it is called " LOL

Dawn--South Suburban Chicago area

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

BPD/DS

4/27/00

www.duodenalswitch.com

267 to 165 5' 4 "

size 22 to size 10

have made size goal

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting

[Guest guest]

She asked me what

> type of surgery I was having and I told her weight loss surgery

(like an

> airhead type) and she said " gastric by-pass? " and I said (airely) I

don't

> know what they call it!

This was very similiar to the first conversation I had with my

insurance company too. Except that I was pretty early on in the

learning process and honestly thought that both the DS and RNY were

called a gastric bypass. Now I know better but I'm sure glad I didn't

spill the beans back then.

P.S. My surgery is scheduled for Jan 23 but I hope to get that moved up.