self-insured survivors?

[Guest guest]

hi, i don't post often but i'm doing so now in hopes someone out

there who has dealt with being self-insured can give me some

advice/encouragement/words of wisdom on this issue. I work at a

hospital and we are self-insured. The Utilization Review Committee

did not even read Dr. Rutledge's letter saying this was not a matter

of medical necessity but a benefit's issue (surgery for weight loss

is not a covered benefit). I'm to give the letter to the director of

Human Resources and it would be up to her and the review committee at

this point. I have written my own letter to go along with Dr.

Rutledge's letter explaining exactly why this surgery is necessary

for me. I've commented that we have had one of our own surgeons

preform an open roux-n-y in our facility, and that i'm aware that

being self-insured they can over-ride the insurance co. policy.

Any advice from someone going through this or has gone through this

would be appreciated...(prayers are always appreciated too!) this

group is made up of such supportive and loving folks, regardless of

what happens down the road i am grateful for finding this sight and

for being allowed to lurk.

leilla from claremont nc