Hey Michigan Bandsters...I am wondering if any of you had BCBS of MI cover your band surgery? Did you have to provide the 1 year of documentation of medically supervised wt loss? I have BCBS Community Blue PPO and I know they cover it, but I refuse to give them my first born child in exchange for their coverage

I have BCBS PPO, which as you knows covers the surgery. My surgeon had a form letter, stating that I had been attempting to lose weight for 12 consecutive months, and I took it to my PCP. I had tried for years, so she was supportive and signed it. It was not a big deal, as long as you have a doctor familiar with your weight loss efforts. Once I got the letter signed, the rest was basically easy. I didn't have to get any pre-approval, my surgeon just needed the letter in my file. I went to Dr. Zoe Deol, and they made the whole thing really easy. My surgery was covered in full, and I had it just a couple of months after I first heard of it. That was this summer...From what I have read people have to do to get approval, we have it very easy with BCBS PPO. Good Luck...

Hi wendiss,

It is a long process but it was well worth it. I had a tough time w/my family doctor because he didn't believe in the lap band. I have BCBS PPO not only did it cover the surgery but at first I didn't think it would cover the follow up visits for fills but it did.

janet

My surgeon had a form letter, stating that I had been attempting to lose weight for 12 consecutive months, and I took it to my PCP.

Do you have an example of the letter? Would love to take it to my PCP.

ts505050 I have to thank you for your reply to my post. Because of your reply to my post I now have my letter from Dr. Deol's office all signed by my PCP.

On Monday I called Dr. Deol's office and spoke to Rebecca. BTW...Rebecca is wonderful. Besides all the typical stuff you talk about when making an appointment w/a new doc, we discussed self-pay vs insurance coverage. When I told her I was just going to pay for it by myself she mentioned the form letter and told me I might be surprised what we might come up with when I took it to my PCP and discussed my history w/her. She faxed me a copy of the letter to look over and take to my PCP. Right after we hung up I called my PCP and begged:nervous for an appointment with her before my 15th appointment w/Dr. Deol. They squeezed me in today. HOLY SMOKES...It didn't take us long to realize my PCP could have signed this months ago. I now have my signed letter and I am off to see Dr. Deol on the 15th to find out where I go from here. :banana :banana :banana:banana :banana :banana

Congratulations! If ever there was an appropriate time to say it...I told you so! Rebecca is amazing. So is Dr. Deol. Good Luck!

I have Dr. Wood in Warren doing my surgery is there anybody out there that used the CORI centers? If so please post your experiences thanks.

I used slim fast, curves, weight watchers for my proof of diets but no one ever asked for proof...due to high blood pressure and sleep apnea.....