Trajo

My insurance company and employer do prefer that we use a COE, however we are not required, just have to go somewhere that is in network in order for them to pick up the tab. What they do though is if I decide to use a COE (which I did) once I complete the follow up call with the nurse they deposit $1000.00 into my MRA (medical reimbursement acct). For me, I had already met a $2300 deductable due to carpal tunnel surgery earlier in the year, so not only will the surgery not cost me anything, I'll actually make $1000 that I'll be using to pay off some of the outstanding bills I still have from earlier this year. WOO HOO!

Bonus! LOL

Your third question may get skewed results. Insurance did not pay for my surgery, but being a "Center of Excellence" was MY requirement. I chose Dr Umbach in Las Vegas (baby!) I'm not sure why someone would go with a facility that didn't have this certification.

The third question began with "if insurance..." but I agree on your other point, given the stringent criteria that must be met to be deemed a "Center of Excellence" it just seems the smarter/safer route to go.

My insurance covers bariatric surgery, but only through designated "Bariatric Center of Excellence" run programs. Trying to see how common this is.

Has anyone ever used or heard of omnifast? I have to be on 4 weeks of liquid meals (3 a day) prior to surgery and that is the name of the supplement I have to purchase from the bariatric clinic. I was wondering about cost and taste/flavors. Also, I have a flex health spending account through my employer that I think will pay for the omnifast as it is required for surgery, although I suspect it will require a medical necessity letter from my dr.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Just getting started, hope I'm posting in the correct place. All my deets are in my sig line as far as where I'm at in the whole sleeve process Nice to meet everyone!