pinksjo1

Excellent - I will give my insurance a call. Thanks for the feedback!

I am having second thoughts about going to the hospital I have chosen. I have everything done, am approved. Its that the customer service I have received through this process is lacking to say the least. My insurance only supports two hospitals in my area (St. Alexius - who I have now, and Des Peres). So I was wondering if anyone else has ever switched in the 12th hour. I left a message for St. Alexius telling them I am uneasy with them as the customer service was so poor, and I am very afraid it may stay the same of even get worse - and after surgery I would need their support more than ever. I also sent a message to Des Peres asking if this was a possible switch. Anyone else experience this? Thanks! Joan

Good luck!

I just got off the phone - I AM APPROVED!!! They are sending the letter out today!!! I am on my way!

I just got off the phone - I AM APPROVED!!! They are sending the letter out today!!! I am on my way!

My paperwork has been at BCBSIL for 6 business days today. I sent them an email yesterday, but haven't heard back from them yet. I like using the email as it is given a tracking number so it has to be addressed. I didn't want to call just in case one of my co-workers heard me (I am keeping this to myself). I'll let you know what I hear back, wish me luck!!

I actually had someone ask me what I was going to do with "all that extra skin". Without hesitation I said "donate it to burn victims".

Same here, I can use up to 12 weeks FMLA. The first week I have to put down as PTO, but I get it back when I return to work.

Fingers crossed!! I am on the same time period as you as my documents were submitted to insurance today also. The PA said to call on June 17 if I haven't heard back. She said the insurance companies have been responding fairly quickly lately...so let's hope that is correct!

UPDATE!!! From St. Alexius this morning: "I just spoke to Starr, the insurance specialist, and she stated that she has everything that we need and that she is submitting your predetermination letter right now. By law insurance companies have 30 business days, not counting weekends and holidays, to respond to the letter. However we are optimistic that we will get a response within the next two weeks (insurance companies have been very quick with their responses the last few months). I would contact Starr after 7 days (so by Monday, June 17) if you do not hear from us or your insurance company."

I thought I could wait this out, but I am getting too many mixed messages from St. Alexius NewStart. First I was told that RK was my patient advocate so I was corresponding with her. Then I was told that JP is my patient advocate and I should be talking with her. I was called last week 5/28 that my file was being reviewed and should be sent to the insurance that afternoon. A nurse (don't remember the name) called me, not my PA. The nurse said don't call the insurance company for at least 30 days (yeah, whatever). Then yesterday a Sara calls me saying she is my NUT and that I may need to do a 6 month diet before submitting...WTF? I know that my insurance does not require this, but she didn't...doesn't anyone take the time to look through the file? That should be noted somewhere, wouldn't you think? I did contact the insurance company and they said NOTHING has been submitted in my case. I kinda figured that yesterday when the NUT called as I did know that was a pending item, but thought well maybe they will submit and see if the insurance catches it...who knows. The closer this gets the more nervous I am becoming and I don't like it!! I left a message for the PA and am waiting to hear back. So, how is your day going???

You go girl!

Congrats and good luck! I hope to hear something soon, submitted 1 week ago!

I also have BCBS of IL and my file was submitted on Tuesday, 5/28...good luck to you!

Hi Everyone! I have been lurking for a few weeks as I found this site right at the time I started my journey to have WLS. I have learned so so much! Currently, I have 2 outstanding items before submitting to BCBSIL. My PCP's letter and my visit with the NUT. I have everything else. I just got about the best news today, my firm will pay for Short Term Disability 12 weeks at 100%. I can't imagine I will need 12 weeks, but nice to know its covered. I am in St. Louis, MO and am going throught St. Alexius Hospital New Start which was 1 of the BCBSIL recommended hospitals of excellence. Just wanted to come out of hiding as I am at the home stretch now... Good luck to everyone and I'll try to post again once I get the BIG NEWS!!! Thanks, Joan