CancerCompass message board discussion started by terryswife on 1/20/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19931,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer August of 07.  Since then his insurance co. has paid for everything.  Now our doctor wants him to start Cisplatin and cpt-11, and even with a lettter to the folks at PBC, he has not heard one word from them about coverage.  We have since started Xeloda as a back up.  What Can I do to encourage the insurance co. to ok the coverage for the Cisplatin and cpt-11?Terry's wife terryswife Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Have your doctor get on the phone with the nurse care manger at your insurance company. He/She are the one's who should be dealing with getting treatments authorized for their patients. One thing I found out, trying to deal with the insurance companies can become a nightmare and who needs the aggraviation. The insurance companies are looking to save money anyway they can. Having the doctor or someone from the office be involved helps. I found that out. If they deny you can fill an Appeal.Wishing you the best of luck Wilmabc Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I also agree. My wife has brain cancer and we were just approved for CPT 11+ Avastin which is not FDA approved. We were warned that we may have challenges with the insurance company but our doctor's team got it approved in a few days and her appointment is tomorrow. The total costs of this treatment is $20,000 each treatment x every 2 weeks. The doctors handled everything including getting the medical records, persistantly calling the insurance company, etc.. I agree with the previous posting and find a doctor's office that will help expedite the approval process. It is a lot to handle on your own and you may hit several delays dealing with the stalls from the insurance company.Best wishes to you, EL evancheryl Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT