Healthcare & Insurance Industry Challenges - A family faced denial of coverage for their daughter's microtia surgery by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, due to the specialist being out-of-network [1] - The insurance company initially denied a gap exception, which would have allowed the family to use in-network benefits for an out-of-network provider [1] - The family had to borrow money, use credit cards, and withdraw funds from a 401(k) retirement account to cover the approximately $100,000 surgery cost [1] Insurance Coverage Resolution - Following inquiries from NBC News, Anthem approved coverage for the surgery by the out-of-network specialist, Dr Cheryl Leuen, while the surgery was already underway [1] - Anthem stated that they made a "unique one-time exception" to ensure the child's care was not delayed, despite the plan typically not covering out-of-network providers when an in-network provider is available [1] Patient Outcome - The 8-year-old patient, Olivia Olsen, underwent successful ear reconstruction surgery for microtia [1][2] - Olivia will need approximately one year to fully heal and will also require a hearing implant [2]