Anyone know how long it took them to get approved by bcbs of illinois? I had all me eval etc last wednesday and my surgeon was just waiting for a fax from my doctor then turning it into my insurance. Just wondering if anyone has an idea how long it usually takes to get approved?

Thanks!

Hello Amber -

I have BCBS of California and it took about 7 working days to get final approval once the doctors office sent off all the paperwork.

I have heard from the insurance people at the hospital that BCBS is one of the easiest insurance companies to get approved for surgery with. They will usually approve anyone with a BMI over 40, or in my case, a lower BMI with TWO co-morbidities.

Good luck to you!

Thanks! I'm trying to be patient but so ready to start my new improved life!! ahhhhhhhhhh the waiting is the hard part !!! I hope i get approved. I don't have anything really wrong, but my BMI is 45.

hope your experience is going well!!

Just an update I found out today that my doctor's office sent in all the stuff to my insurance (BCBS/Anthem) thursday 3/25/10... hope that means I'll hear something this week!! I'm sooo ready for this (and excited!) I feel like a little kid counting down the days until Christmas morning! lol

I know exactly how you feel about waiting. Once you have made your decision to do this....you want it done yesterday!

Good luck and I hope that you hear soon!

I'm in the process of hurry up and wait, too. I have BCBS CT, and I'm hoping it doesn't take long once my paperwork is submitted.

I have BCBSIL (not Anthem, though) and hope everything will be submitted to insurance next week.

According to the 4 different people I have spoken with at BCBS, they usually approve in 5-7 business days. According to the insurance coordinator at the surgeon's office, it is really more like 3-4 weeks on average and yes, they do like to deny 1st submissions so I am bracing myself for that.

Everything else is done, so I don't even have other tests and things to keep me occupied while I wait. On pins and needles over here...

kagead

I got approved today! I'm having surgery May 7th!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so very happy for you!

Good luck on the 7th and let us know how you are doing!