I wonder if it's true. If so, it's potentially very handy information. (I love Facebook, but I tend to be suspicious of every "fact" posted on it these days--especially the political junk.)

I don't think this is very good advice.

Going nuclear and getting belligerent before making even a polite inquiry for information isn't a good idea. Many companies include sections in their computerized customer files to note prior experiences in dealing with that specific individual. (I was told this by an IT consultant who was at the time doing a big job for United Airlines). You don't want your tone to result in your being labeled a crank.

In cases where an employee has some leeway and discretion, an approach like that will make sure that not the slightest amount of understanding or accommodation will be offered.

Well here's what Snopes has, it's long so I'll just include the link.

http://www.snopes.com/hipaa-medical-hack-insurance-claim-denials/

I forgot to add that just to play it safe I always call my insurance company first for verification of coverage before getting the test. It isn't a guarantee that everything will be covered but at least I've demonstrated that I was proactive by contacting them.

And it is true that many insurance companies first response is to deny a claim hoping that the patient will just pay it. They often do the same thing when a physician's office contacts them to see if a prescription or test will be covered. Then the physician has to work his or her way up the line explaining to a succession of insurance reps the merits and necessities of the test or script.

No one has recommended "going nuclear or getting belligerent". By asking for information on a denial you might become aware that the insurance company had incomplete or incorrect information which can be corrected. You also have the right to appeal a decision.

Last spring I was in need of physical therapy and called my health insurer for clarification on both my responsibility and theirs via billing charges. At the time I was told that they would fully cover 20 visits. I made a note of the date, time and persons name. This call was recorded. When the first bill was sent in to the insurance company, they only applied the cost to my deductable and did not pay a thing. One phone call, with the information of the original call resulted in the company paying for 20 visit (I only needed about 10). In the fall I called for verification that they would pay in full for some elective surgery as I had met all deductibles by then. Again, I kept notes of the call and all bills were paid by them.

Your friend that worked for an airline is correct, insurers do keep notes on calls. It protects both parties. BUT by not giving a person the rights they have paid for, the insurers know that they open themselves to investigations by the state insurance commissions and potential lawsuits. They want neither to happen.

How do I know this? I spent 20 years working for a top 10 insurance company. Even cranks deserve respect.

Here's a good tip: Don't believe everything you see on the internet! Just because somebody "saw it somewhere", doesn't mean it's true.

I agree with those who advise against going nuclear, and instead, try to collect info and talk to those involved. Talk to the insurance company, ask why the denial was made. Talk to your doctor.

If the test is large, expensive, and invasive, it might actually be worthwhile getting a second opinion because some tests are not, in fact, needed, and result in further expense and risk.

Insurance companies are there to make money, but so is much of the rest of the medical field, and fraudulent testing is not unheard of.

On the other hand, if it is truly needed, your doctor should be able to tell you why, and his/her office help in getting the necessary OKs.

Listen to Snidely. Very true about certain call centers being able to tag difficult/belligerent callers. And if they call you by name b4 you even identify yourself, you know you are in REAL trouble. Also, unrelated to this, many stores have records on customers who habitually return stuff. Big bro is watching, so we must be on best or at least reasonable behavior.

It seems to me inadvisable to get on one's high horse at the beginning.

Be reasonable, patient, explain your desire and your reasons. Often that'll bring results.

Persistence pays, as well ... but being reasonable and quiet spoken.

Time enough to get belligerent if the reasonable approach doesn't produce your desired results and you're fairly sure that you are deserving.

After all ... did your kids get candy ... every time that they asked ... pleaded ... whined?

Wasn't a tantrum often a voyage of last resort ... even with an inexperienced kid?

(Who'd find out later that throwing tantrums too often produced poor/diminishing results!).

ole joyful