The Appeals Process Begins 11/2006

Hello Maryann:

Please note the following BCBS finding and add to my review for the Level II panel prior to the meeting. Perhaps inter-office documentation will have a broader scope on this.

PR

November 2006

The following Assessments and Special Reports were acted on at the November 2, 2006, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) meeting:

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity

The MAP concluded that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity meets the TEC criteria, when performed in appropriately selected patients, by surgeons who are adequately trained and experienced in the specific techniques used, and in institutions that support a comprehensive bariatric surgery program, including long-term monitoring and follow-up post-surgery.

Source: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Technology Evaluation Center, November 2, 2006

http://www.bcbs.com/betterknowledge/tec/press/