Migraine Nerve Decompression Surgery

Today we found out that the Migraine Nerve Decompression Surgery precertification request was denied by Anthem BC/BS. There is a lengthy and detailed Appeals process that will likely take months and we have no way of knowing whether this would even be approved then.

I wish I was never born.

Trinity

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you win on your appeal.   

I'm sorry Trin.

Don't give up. You have to be honest with what you are up against. You are trying to get approval from insurance for an expensive procedure which is not FDA approved. That is VERY difficult.

Cry, mourn this immediate loss. Then take a deep breadth, and regroup.

Go ahead and file your appeal. Understand that there's a good chance you will be denied, and expect to appeal again.

Meanwhile, I would investigate neuro stimulation, which has much wider acceptance in the medical community. It has been in use since the 1970's. It is FDA approved -- not specifically for head pain, so you may still have to fight insurance, but people with refractory migraine often find a way to get insurance to pay. BCBS is known to pay, although it depends on the particular plan.

Neurostim has a huge advantage as a treatment in that you do a trial beforehand with an external unit that tells you "go" or "no" with the implant.

Finally the technology has gotten pretty amazing in the past 8-10 years now that leads are attached not just to the occipital nerve but to the supraorbital nerves in the front of the head to block pain in the forehead, eyes and behind the eyes. If you join the facebook group you can read a recent study on the subject.

-Platy

Don't feel discouraged. This is pretty much standard. They deny everything to weed out those who won't fight for it. Definitely appeal. Get your doctor to write a letter saying nothing else has worked along with a long list of all you have tried. If they deny that, keep at it!