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Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 8:38 am
by Gator77
God Morning,

I am a new member and I am looking for some advice. I am 39 and have been dealing with ED since my late teens. I have tried injections, pills etc but they didn't get the job done. I finally decided it was time to get a penile prothesis. I scheduled surgery just to receive notice from my doctor that the policy my employer chose for their employees did not cover the procedure. It was denied for "exclusion of benefits". I am appealing with my employer but I want to be prepared if the appeal is denied. My question is how do I find a policy that will cover the implant since it has be declared a medical necessity? I have searched the web with no luck. I hope someone can help. Thanks!

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 6:49 am
by Cigar56
Just a guess, but sounds like your doctor didn't make a very convincing argument for the surgery. I would suggest considering another doctor who previously has dealt with your insurance company.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 11:14 pm
by ED2013
I agree contact other docs. I highly recommend going with a top surgeon.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 2:12 pm
by dirtman1993
Try Kramer and talk with Connie at office. I have BCBS as my second and they had no problem picking up what medicare did not pay.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:34 am
by David_R
Sometimes a person from a supportive office somewhere will contact your insurance company on your behalf and inquire if they cover breast reconstruction for women (which is not necessary to stay alive but which can help improve life so much). If they do, this supportive person can point out how a penis prosthesis is in the same category for men: not necessary to stay alive but it helps improve life so much. Office persons like this know how to deal with insurance companies better than persons like ordinary you and me. Best wishes, guy.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 1:11 pm
by ccrider
dirtman1993 wrote:Try Kramer and talk with Connie at office. I have BCBS as my second and they had no problem picking up what medicare did not pay.


I had Anthem/BCBS at the time of my procedure...they covered it 100%. You have to show that the implant is a documented medical necessity. In my case, the ED was caused by Type II diabetes. I agree w/ dirtman-call Connie at Dr. Kramer's office and discuss your insurance situation...she was extremely helpful to me.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:40 pm
by dg_moore
Not all policies issued by the same insurer are the same. As the OP pointed out, his employer chose a plan from BCBS that does not cover implants, so the fact that another BCBS plan does cover them is meaningless. However, an appeal should be possible, and an application that specifies medical necessity might succeed.

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 9:23 am
by C coggin
I was denied by BCBS 2 times before they finally approved me. They covered the procedure 100% I am now 11 days postop. just keep at it and dont give up

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 4:17 pm
by Freemase
I too am under BCBS throu8gh my wife's employer. Once me and my urologist settled on the procedure and date, it was let to my regular physician to not only clear me for surgry, but gt things approve by BCBS, or at least they should have. Procure done now, I am hoping I don't get a surprise bill! It's not like they can take back the pump

Re: Denied Coverage by BCBS for Penile Prothesis

Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 11:32 pm
by Hopefulandworried
My husband had the same issue with BCBS of Texas. They denied even with appeal. Had to switch to my insurance United health care. Good luck