I need help!... My health insurance company has denied me the Laser Treatment because (and I quote):
"Treatment of generalized or localized vitiligo with phototherapy, photochemotherapy, or excimer laser is considered cosmetic and NOT medically necessary"
I have until June 28th to appeal the decision. What I'm requesting from you are inputs, ideas, or maybe a copy of a letter who anyone has used in the past to appeal a similar decision.
This is not a matter of "cosmetic issues"... What about the psychological effects of vitiligo???? THAT"S MEDICAL!!!!!
I want to take pictures, get copies of my records, including a treatment I had one for stress and dysthymia and send it in along with the letter that it's being requested.
ANY help will be greatly appreciated.
You can email me at jo_4ever@bellsouth.net
THANK YOU!!!!!!
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Can you get a letter from a psychologist, counselor, different types of doctors that deem this a neccessary treatment? I understand what other people have said about the treatment not treating the root of the problem, but also each person react differently. I know other people that had more vitiligo than me, got treatment, are better and while mine has spread very fast. So, each individual is different.
Also, a lawyer/attorney might be the best option. They know insurances better. There's always some kind of loophole, maybe a precedent that they are aware of. This companies are giants and as great and brave as it would be to fight them alone, it's always better to be prepared.
Best of luck!
i have vitiligo as well since i was 8.. on my legs and elbow and one small spots on my hand,and feets, praise god i dont have it on my face and chest?
But i Believe i will be heal from this things and it will go AWAY I was getting treated by the laser treatment and it WORKS
my color started to come back.but after my insurance stop i couldn't get treated anymore,i mean i could its just cost alot if you pay...i couldn't afford it so i have faith in the lord he will help me get insurance again? there's is HOPE out there for patients like us!
good luck my dear
Remember the sun will rise tomorrow
the lord didnt make a mistake when he made You
No Matter what you look like on the outside you are BEAUTIFUL on the inside
god bless
Destiny!
I could swear that other people have posted on their message boards about the same problem and if you have access membership you can post on there but by all means search on there as I believe that others have brought it up and that would give you some insight on what's been done with their cases.
I personally think with the economy being as bad as it is, insurance companies are refusing more and more treatments for things like Vitiligo they just don't want to pay out. but my thing is Vitiligo is so rare it's not like theirs ton's of people coming to the insurance companies everyday requesting that their diseases or disorders get special treatment or attention
#1. Consider hiring an attorney knowledgeable with insurance matters to draft the letter. Trust me, this has the potential to work in your favor. The attorney knows what kind of "legal" language to be used. The insurance company will be FORCED to respond with in certain # of days. About 7 or 8 years ago, a similar situation for a different medical issue surfaced in our friend's circle. The general attorney my friend hired charged a mere $250 (2 hours) to draft the letter. With in 14 days, the insurance company not only APPROVED the subject medical issue, plus additional expenses as well. We just could NOT believe it. It was a big win win. $250 well spent....The treament you took for stress and dysthmia may come handy. In summary, Pl consider going thru an attorney. If you are represented, you stand a chance 10 times better. I guarantee that. Give it a try...
#2. As a matter of personal opinion, Vitiligo does NOT hurt the individual alone. It has a great potential to impact the people surrounding in some fashion or other. It really really does. I also agree with Carl's response 100%.
Good Luck....Let us know how it plays out....
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