Question:
How do I satisfy the insurance requirement of supervised diet attempts?

The good news is that my doctor faxed PHP (my insurance co.) a referral letter on Thursday, and today (Saturday), I received a letter from PHP stating that I meet initial criteria (BMI of 43). The bad news is that they now require written documentation of either: (1) proof of 12 weeks of a medically supervised diet, OR (2) receipt, program progress notes, etc of 2 supervised diet programs, OR (3) I can join the local Optifast 800 program. They will pay for the medical part of the Optifast, but I'd have to pay for food and copays (about $80 per week, which is not an option for me!) I have proof of Weight Watchers, but have never joined another program. I have spoken with my PCP about losing weight, but I don't know if that counts. She never told me how to lose weight specifically because I already know how (I've taken nutrition classes, etc. Knowing how to lose weight is very different from doing it successfully!) Any suggestions? I need stuff sent to PHP in 10 days. Should I sign up for the cheapest weight loss program around? Thanks for any input!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 7, 2002)

September 7, 2002
Use the weight watchers and list it as "supervised diet program". I had on mine, the Nutrisystem weightloss program and doctor-supervised weightloss with two differnt doctors as well as a hospital eating healthy program. They took mine. I hope this helps you in some way. Supervised means by someone else other than just you. I don't think it necessarily means it has to be a doctor.
   — Darlene P.

September 7, 2002
My insurance did something similiar. Diet Center back in the '70s is the only weight loss program that I have ever joined and lost money on. I, too, have been on numerous diets, most notably Atkins and SugarBusters. My PCP has always been aware of my weight loss history and problems and she wrote a letter to my insurance to that effect. I also have co-morbities (diabetes and hypertension) and my BMI was 56. Maybe a letter from your PCP could help push your insurance. It helped me.
   — Brenda O.