In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 24-March 2), I would like to share with you a very personal, authentic, and profound glimpse into what it means to have an eating disorder. In place of providing you with basic eating disorder information and statistics, I instead leave you with this story of a […]
Category Archives: Eating Disorders
When Insurance Companies Hinder Eating Disorder Recovery
I recently joined in on a webinar entitled, “Insurance Companies are Not the Enemy.” I was intrigued by both the title in combination with the fact that the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) was presenting this webinar. I admit that I was hopeful that I would learn new information in the webinar, and that I […]
It’s 2013…But Eating Disorder Patients Continue to Fight For Coverage
Securing insurance benefits for the treatment of an eating disorder can be an extensive battle. This battle often comes in the form of repeated denials, being told you can “be safely treated at a lower level of care,” appeals, and even being quoted incorrect benefit information. Those who suffer from eating disorders, and their families, […]
Are Hospitals Ill-Equipped to Treat the Complexities of Eating Disorders?
On May 14, 2012, Brandy Bell was committed to Rusk State Hospital in Texas for a long history of psychiatric illnesses. After 16 days in the hospital, Brandy, 33, died. The mental illness that deprived her of her life, compelling her to lose 9 pounds in 9 days, was tragically ignored by hospital staff. Brandy […]
BMI: The Insurance Companies’ Death Knell to Adequate Treatment for Eating Disorders
Review any insurance company’s denial letter for eating disorder treatment based on medical necessity, and weight or the insured’s BMI (Body Mass Index), will form the basis of the denial. What is BMI and why do insurance companies refer to it as if it was the Holy Grail for determining the “healthy” weight of its […]
DSM-5 Approved by the APA
The fifth edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) was approved by the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees on Saturday. The board’s approval was the final step needed before the DSM-5’s formal release in May, 2013. The DSM was last revised in 1994.This is excellent news for those in the […]
EDNOS: An Often Overlooked but Deadly Diagnosis
Last night, ABC aired a segment on EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). EDNOS is a very serious illness with an estimated mortality rate of 5.2%. Although the general population may not be as accustomed to hearing this diagnosis- as opposed to bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or binge eating disorder- EDNOS is one of the […]
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEDA SURVEY
Some of you may have received an email from NEDA asking you/your loved ones to complete a survey about treatment. Because we are committed to advocating for those whose insurance company has denied benefits for treatment, we want to share with you our concerns about this survey.We feel it is important for you to understand […]
Seeking Legal Assistance for Treatment of an Eating Disorder: 4 Things You Should Know
At Kantor & Kantor, LLP, we understand that dealing with and seeking treatment for eating disorders can be emotionally and financially devastating. When your health insurance company denies payment for benefits, matters only go from bad to worse. We can help.Use the tips below to advocate for insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment:Keep these steps […]
Lisa Kantor and Corinne Chandler Named Super Lawyers
Top Women Attorneys in Southern California for 2012Recognized for Excellence in Representing People Denied Insurance BenefitsNational legal rating service Super Lawyers has named Lisa Kantor and Corinne Chandler among its Top Women Lawyers in Southern California for 2012. Both lawyers were selected for their achievements representing people denied disability, long-term care, health or life insurance […]
