Appointment with Physiatrist - ThinnerTimes

MiladyB · 06-28-2007, 01:16 PM

Well I took the next step towards possibly getting insurance to cover my breast lift (aka reduction). I had a consult with a Physiatrist today to see if he was willing to write a letter to my insurance company stating that my neck, shoulder, back pain isn't solely due to another reason and that a breast reduction would be beneficial and would likely decrease the pain.

I wasn't totally sure how to approach this with him because basicly he was just a means to an end. I decided to be totally up front with him about why I got the consult. He briefly checked me over and felt some of the pain was due to posture changes with the significant weight loss plus poor posture during the time I was MO. BUT he was willing to write a letter stating that a breast reduction would be of help with the pain!!

SOOOOOO....

....I'm crossing fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes that my insurance company will now approve my breast lift (reduction). He told me he would dictate a letter tonight and get it off to my pcp who will then send it on to my plastic surgeon and insurance company.

I don't want to get my hopes up but this is a step closer to approval!!

YEA!!!

minime · 06-28-2007, 02:25 PM

I need a breast lift bad! I never considered all of the things you mentioned when I thought of going to a doc to try to get insurance to pay for it. I don't have back pain so I figured it was not an option for me. I do have migraines, shoulder pain, knee pain, and elbow pain due to osteoarthritis.
Your post gave me new ideas and maybe the courage to approach my pcp about trying for it.

thanks,

minime

MiladyB · 06-28-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minime

I need a breast lift bad! I never considered all of the things you mentioned when I thought of going to a doc to try to get insurance to pay for it. I don't have back pain so I figured it was not an option for me. I do have migraines, shoulder pain, knee pain, and elbow pain due to osteoarthritis.
Your post gave me new ideas and maybe the courage to approach my pcp about trying for it.

thanks,

minime

I would try anything. You just never know. I looked up my insurance companies requirements to get a breast reduction covered and found that I fit into most of the requirements except I needed to get a Physiatrist to say a reduction would probably help with my pain. It sounds as if this doctor I saw today was willing to write such a letter.

What I can tell you is that my insurance company wanted to see documentation of mild lower back pain, neck pain, breast pain, headaches, rashes, or paralysis in the fingers. I have experienced all but the paralysis. None of it is severe but it all has been there in a mild form and is documented with my pcp for the past 6 months. I would suggest you call your insurance company and see if they cover a breast reduction and what the requirements are. It is at least a place to start.

coptergirl · 06-29-2007, 05:32 AM

Way to go Beth - I will cross body parts for you too

MiladyB · 06-29-2007, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coptergirl

Way to go Beth - I will cross body parts for you too

Thanks Whitney!

I'm a little worried that his letter will get lost in the shuffle. My pcp is in the process of closing down his office and moving into another one so I'm a little concerned that the Physiatrist's letter won't make the trip too promptly. I think on Monday I'll call my pcp's office to just give them a heads up to look for it. I so want this all done and over with. It's so hard to plan my summer not knowing when this surgery will be happening.

coptergirl · 06-29-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiladyB

Thanks Whitney!

I'm a little worried that his letter will get lost in the shuffle. My pcp is in the process of closing down his office and moving into another one so I'm a little concerned that the Physiatrist's letter won't make the trip too promptly. I think on Monday I'll call my pcp's office to just give them a heads up to look for it. I so want this all done and over with. It's so hard to plan my summer not knowing when this surgery will be happening.

Can you have him send you a copy of the letter so that in case the original gets lost un the shuffle, you can expedite things?

MiladyB · 06-29-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coptergirl

Can you have him send you a copy of the letter so that in case the original gets lost un the shuffle, you can expedite things?

That is a good idea, Whitney. I may have them do that. I did call the office to see if they could send my plastic surgeon a copy but they need a release of medical information from me, which they won't do over the phone. I may run down to the office today to sign one for them. My plastic surgeon's office seems to be really on the ball with getting info to the insurance company so that may be my best bet.

coptergirl · 06-29-2007, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiladyB

That is a good idea, Whitney. I may have them do that. I did call the office to see if they could send my plastic surgeon a copy but they need a release of medical information from me, which they won't do over the phone. I may run down to the office today to sign one for them. My plastic surgeon's office seems to be really on the ball with getting info to the insurance company so that may be my best bet.

It might be worth the trouble to avoid a wait later

Good luck, love!!!

AlabamaChick · 06-29-2007, 08:18 AM

I can't wait to find out the news from you Beth. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed honey! I'm really so excited for you! This is a wonderful time for you! (((((BETH))))))

MiladyB · 06-29-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaChick

I can't wait to find out the news from you Beth. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed honey! I'm really so excited for you! This is a wonderful time for you! (((((BETH))))))

Oh thank you SO MUCH Trina! I'm on pins and needles with this waiting game. I ran over to the Physiatrist's office to sign release papers so the consult letter will go to my plastic surgeon too. That way I'm sure my insurance company should get it rather quickly. My plastic surgeon's office is really on the ball when it comes to the insurance company. I've been very impressed by the office. I'll let all of you know when I hear something. I really would like this done within the next month but maybe that is hoping too much.

Trina, I was just thinking. Aren't you supposed to have your scope today?