B
brendaks1
Guest
When I had a recent one-level fusion, my doctor's office send a letter explaining that they are finding that many insurance companies have recently changed their policies regarding spinal fusions and that we needed to check to make sure there weren't any problems with getting preapprovals.
I investigated this further through online research, and I was horrified to find that many insurance companies are making it much harder and a longer process to get spinal fusions covered. In fact, one insurance company outright stated that they no longer cover fusions for more than 2 levels if the reason is degenerative disc disease due to the low success rate. They made this policy change as of March 2009. Other insurance companies are now requiring 3-6 months of a laid-out plan of conservative treatments unless it's an emergency.
I know I just had a one-level fusion, but I am now scared to death that if I someday have to have more levels done I'll be in trouble!
Does anyone else here know more about this situation and have any ideas of what we can do to fight back?
I investigated this further through online research, and I was horrified to find that many insurance companies are making it much harder and a longer process to get spinal fusions covered. In fact, one insurance company outright stated that they no longer cover fusions for more than 2 levels if the reason is degenerative disc disease due to the low success rate. They made this policy change as of March 2009. Other insurance companies are now requiring 3-6 months of a laid-out plan of conservative treatments unless it's an emergency.
I know I just had a one-level fusion, but I am now scared to death that if I someday have to have more levels done I'll be in trouble!
Does anyone else here know more about this situation and have any ideas of what we can do to fight back?