Man Wins Battle for Operation against Aetna after Local Talk Radio blasted Aetna

[RamboLiberal]

I related this story in another post on health insurance last week. Here's an update.

-----

Petok has Stage 4 stomach cancer. His medical records give him nine months to a year to live. The one hope, according to his doctors, is surgery that must be done immediately.

“If I don’t have this surgery done within six months to a year, I will not be living,” he said. “I will die from this and I don’t want to die.”

------

In denying the surgery, Petok’s insurance carrier Aetna responds: “Clinical studies have not proven that this procedure is safe and effective for treatment of the member’s condition.”

(Aetna after being raked over the coals last week on local Pittsburgh talk radio KDKA (who incidentally has hosts who in other shows rips "Obamacare".)

“While our initial determination resulted in a denial for experimental reasons, we expedited an external review to determine whether an outside expert would recommend this treatment for this particular member, given his circumstances and a current view of the medical evidence. As a result of that review, we have approved this treatment. We know the family is going through difficulties and we sympathize. We wish the family and Mr. Petok well.”

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/03/29/local-cancer-patient-wins-battle-with-insurance-company/

[freshwest]

1. This is degrading and pathetic. The profits need to come out of healthcare - NOW.

[KeepItReal]

2. Aetna forgot to add: "Don't you other policyholders get any smart ideas...."

Another chapter for the movie "Sicko"

[walldude]

3. Death Panels...... n/t

[Doctor_J]

4. Hate Radio gets results

but we knew that already.

[DCKit]

Are the teabaggers finally facing up to the world they claim they want?

Do those in Pittsburgh realize that Aetna is the dreaded "Death Panel"?

[DCKit]

5. Dupe

[JHB]

6. Was the "external expert" their PR firm?

"This one isn't just going to die quietly, so just pay for the operation, let it blow over, and go back to normal for the next one."

[RamboLiberal]

7. More than likely - don't like the bad publicity