ALA

Thanks to all for your replies and valuable information.

I just talked to my insurance company and confirmed that the anniversary date for all pre-existing conditions expired August 25, 2010 so I should be covered for any further testing and/or treatments.  I went the appeals route when the issue first developed but to no avail.  That's in the past now and I need to concentrate on the future testing options mentioned in your replies.  I will be making an appointment with my oncologist soon. Thanks again to all.  Alan

Thanks to all for your replies and valuable information.

I just talked to my insurance company and confirmed that the anniversary date for all pre-existing conditions expired August 25, 2010 so I should be covered for any further testing and/or treatments.  I went the appeals route when the issue first developed but to no avail.  That's in the past now and I need to concentrate on the future testing options mentioned in your replies.  I will be making an appointment with my oncologist soon. Thanks again to all.  Alan

To answer your question Molly, the original excision was performed by my primary care physician to remove a suspect mole after my insurance was in force.  I had conferred with my physician some months prior when he suggested that the mole should be removed but delayed doing so.  I have an inherited trait from my mother in that we seem to produce an excessive number of moles and a few previous excisions were all benign.  I took a chance that this one would be benign also and was wrong.  In any event, I believe the insurance administrator used the original recommendation as proof of the pre-existing nature even though the actual biopsy resulting in the diagnosis didn't occur until later.  Thanks for your reply and best of luck to you and your husband.  Alan

To answer your question Molly, the original excision was performed by my primary care physician to remove a suspect mole after my insurance was in force.  I had conferred with my physician some months prior when he suggested that the mole should be removed but delayed doing so.  I have an inherited trait from my mother in that we seem to produce an excessive number of moles and a few previous excisions were all benign.  I took a chance that this one would be benign also and was wrong.  In any event, I believe the insurance administrator used the original recommendation as proof of the pre-existing nature even though the actual biopsy resulting in the diagnosis didn't occur until later.  Thanks for your reply and best of luck to you and your husband.  Alan