Question:
Preparation: How do I get documentation?

I so depressed from a letter I recieved from the insurance dept. of BTC.It said BC/BS is requesting previous diet attempts that were physician supervised.I never been on a physician surpervised diet before.What do I do?I really need this surgery.I'm 25,5'3",and about 292 pounds.The back,knee,and feet pain are too much.I can't walk a block w/o being out of breath or break out in a sweat.I even get out of breath climbing my stairs!!!! I'd also like to enjoy my kids and the things they'd like to do with me.Thank You in advance for any help you can send my way! :) Kristie    — Kristie D. (posted on June 11, 2000)

June 11, 2000
I heard something about this and I was told that at that point you should go on a supervised weight loss program with your primary care physician so that it could be documented. Also have you ever tried Weight Watchers or others like that. That can be used for documentation as a physican supervised diet. All you doc has to do is document it in the chart. I would contact your primary care physican asap and get started. Explain to your doc why and how you need this documentation. Hopefully they will work with you on this. Because documentation from your physican is a key in getting approval. every time you go to the doc tell them you are concerned about weight. that will be documented. they may ask you to see a dietician, do it. Hang in there it too will work for you. You just have to play their game to get what you need. Did you use any of the diet drugs in the past. that could be used for documentation. I hope this helps a little. Not to depress you but it took me over a year to get approval. If this is what is holding up your approval process (the documentation) I think that I heard that BC/BS requires a three month try on a physican supervised diet for approval.
   — [Anonymous]