Metal Mouth Message Board

Thanks for the feedback. What med were you given to control the pain? Gunson's Post surgical packet mentions only one pain medication (Ultram 1-2 teaspoons/5-10cc every 4 hours).

My surgery date is this Wednesday (October 5th). I was told I will be hospitalized for one day. From what I've read on other jaw surgery blogs most patients are in the hospital for two to three days. Is hospitalization for one day unusual? Anthem only pays for one day, perhaps this was part of reason.

znewton, I didn't meet with Dr. Arnett, but Gr. Gunson instilled the same type of confidence during our 3-hour consultation. Despite the fact that Anthem is only paying $500 for the surgery, Gunson's professionalism and expertise had me convinced he was the right surgeon (surgery date October 5th). ...

Hi fellow October buddies. Its nice to meet you all. My surgery is scheduled for October 5th for double jaw surgery with Dr. Gunson. The surgical hooks have been on for several weeks now and all that's left is the blood donation and mentally wrapping my mind around the surgery. Good luck everyone.

cvn, I appreciate the invitation to answer questions. You've had three times the experience to share. Have you posted much about the original surgeries you had on this board? What were the issues with your previous surgeries? I'm a bit concerned about resorption, but I understand the surgeon's techn...

Puglover, I just saw your post. So did Natasha tell you the closest "in-network" surgeon is in LA? I understood there wasn't a BC/network surgeon in LA or OC. If this is true, then Natasha can make an inquiry to Anthem about a referral. This is great news. Now I just have to confirm that t...

Hookie Tay, congrats on paying everything off in 22 months. Luckily Goletta Hospital is in BC/Anthem's network. Like you I will have to pay 30% of the hospitalization fees. I'm especially annoyed with the letter I received from Anthem two months ago informing me about my 25% premium increase. I can'...

nineeyes, was your surgeon in the BSCA network? When you say the maximum contracted amount was $3000...is that based on a percentage of the total surgery amount of $13,000, or would the maximum still be $3000 even if the surgery cost $40,000. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Puglover I have a PPO. Maybe EPO will produce a better allowable amount, or is the Anthem allowable the same no matter what you have?

Jul, thanks for responding to my post. No wonder there are zero contracted surgeons. Have you already had the surgery? If so, who? If you haven't what are you planning to do?

I Love My Teeth, I think 70% of the hospital fees will be covered. Believe me I'm grateful for that. As for the next step...I'm not sure if its even possible to appeal an allowable amount, but its worth looking into. RYANvaughn I hope your insurance results are better than mine. I've heard good thin...

I just received word back from Anthem of Blue Cross regarding the "allowable amount" they are willing to pay for my surgery with Dr. Gunson. Anthem is willing to pay $645 of the corrective jaw surgery with Dr. Gunson. Has anyone here had experience with appealing an allowable amount? Thank...

I finally received my Anthem allowable. They are willing to pay $645 of the surgery with Dr. Gunson after my deductible is met. This is a joke. Has anyone had any experience with appealing an allowable amount? I should probably start this as thread...

Hi Keeponsmiling. Like DRG I went years contemplating the surgery. After grinding down my back molars to the point that my back teeth are meeting only at certain points, I finally decided to get the surgery at age thirty-five. It didn't help that my dentist who has been urging me to fix my bite for ...

$15,000! Wiki, you and the other Cigna holders have just been invited to the chocolate factory. I wish I had the Cigna golden ticket! I'm with Anthem. At first I was ecstatic when Anthem approved me, then Gunson's surgical coordinator informed me that the allowable amount was still unknown. Come to ...