mommy2kai

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Right now, I'm in a holding pattern, because I found out last week that my employer's policy with United does NOT cover any kind of bariatric surgery AT ALL. This, despite me calling UHC on three different occasions and each time giving them the procedure code as well as my group and subscriber numbers. Each time, they told me that our policy covered it at 90% with an in-network doctor. I was going to the seminar with Dr Hitchcock at KC Bariatric, and thanks to the advice of their front office, I contacted my HR to get a copy of the coverage details of our insurance. It was only when I spoke with HR that I was told that our policy doesn't cover bariatrics. Even if I were to have a BMI over 40, and co-morbidities, they will not cover. So right now, I'm stuck. I really want to do this, but self pay isn't an option. I could more easily deal with paying off 10% as opposed to 100%. I kind of don't know what to do next.

I'm having a the exact same FRUSTRATING experience with my employer and UHC! UHC told me three different times that our plan covered both Lapband and gastric bypass. I was over the moon! Then, at the request of a dr, I contacted my HR department to get a copy of our policy in writing, to verify that it was covered. Imagine my shock when they told me that not only does our policy not cover it, they have very carefully written the clause in the policy so that they will never cover it. I guess they would rather have me fat and on a ton of meds or with several co-morbidities than to pay for something that would make me healthy. Right now, self pay is not an option; we can't afford another bill. Looks like it's back to Weight Watchers and another stab at that. :cry

I recently went to a info seminar with Dr. Stephen Malley in Overland Park, KS. I have United Health Care, and he is considered an in-network doctor, and I'm in luck because my employer's plan pays for 90% of the cost for LapBand from an in-network dr. Whoohoo! But....his office charges $150 for the initial consultation, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. My co-pay should only be $20 for an in-network dr. They will submit the claim to my health care provider, and reimburse me the difference of $130. Also, post op visits are $50, if you have a fill they are $100. So, has anyone else heard of a doctor doing this? If he's part of my health care provider's network, I don't understand why I can't pay my regular co-pay.

Hey all, I'm new here. I have been dealing with my weight for what seems like most of my life, and I am desperate to do something to keep the weight off for good. I have been researching the lap-band procedure, and I'm pretty sure it's the way I want to go. I am trying to find a good doctor in my area; I live in Overland Park, Kansas, so if anyone could recommend a doctor in the Kansas City area, I'd love to hear about it. I have to say, that reading some of the posts here, and seeing some of the before and after pics, is very inspiring!