I am suffering with severe back and sciatica pain. I have tried many things to avoid surgery: at-home physical therapy (PT), injections and various medications. My surgeon stated surgery was my only hope for relief. Insurance would not authorize it until I went through PT, which only increases my pain. Apparently, they consider [surgery] not medically necessary. I called my insurance company to explain the rest of the medical verbiage in their denial letter. They stated my doctor would have to explain it. What? They don't understand their own denial! Patients suffer.