I am trying to get myself prepared for what to expect when I finally get up the nerve to talk to my doctor about getting banded. I am wondering if anyone has used Anthem BCBS insurance? What hoops did u have to jump thru? How long did it take? I have trouble keeping my eye on the prize when it comes to having to go thru so many steps to even getting started. So I hope that knowing what to expect from the beginning will help. I know everyone says it all depends on ur insurance so if anyone has went thru Anthem BCBS, any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

I do, you will have to most likely have complete a three month supervised diet. You will need to two years of medical history of your weight from your PCP. Having a high BMI and a co-morbidity will help with your insurance. Make sure that you choose a Doctor and staff that has a person that primary job is to work with insurance. That will be a huge asset.

I have Anthem BCBS or BCBS of California or ... I don't know, it seems the name changes EVERY year. I know at one point (and it's on the "back" of my insurance card) it was called Anthem BCBS. The main office for our firm is in NY, and from what I understand BCBS is different in every state. All that said, I had my surgery in 2009 (happy with results even though I am a slow loser and BCBS paid for everything including a years worth of fills.

I would suggest that you go to the website for your particular insurance and check out the pre-requisites. If you have a hard time finding this info, call customer service and they help you find the right web page. It's a good idea to check your insurance website for this info so that your doc's office does not get your insurance requirements mixed up with another insurance. Knowledge IS power and when it comes to medical issues of any kind, it is good to be your own advocate.

All the best to you on your journey.

~Fran

I have(for now) BCBS of georgia also Anthem. They are relitively easy to work with. Because georgia has such a problem with obesity. You need your doctor to send a letter of medical necessity outlining any obesity related conditions you allready have or are at high risk for developing. You have to see a psychiatrist to asess you to make sure you are not mentally ill. And you have to have a visit with the nutritionist before surgery because they want you to loose about 10% of your current weight first. That is not a large number. The surgon you use must be within your network listing. and you have to have an ekg done and routine blood work. That is it. I wish you the best

I have Anthem BCBS. I had my initial consultation in August where I received a packet from my surgeon telling me everything I needed based on my insurance. I had to have the following: Psychological clearance, dietician evaluation, pulmonary clearance, letter from PCP, diet history, TSH test, upper GI. I did not have to do a three month medically supervised diet. My BMI was 49 and I have mild sleep apnea. My paperwork was submitted at the end of Nov and I got approved in less than a week. It would have been sooner than that had I not taken my time getting the clearances....i was trying to make up my mind between the lapband and bypass. Getting banded 01-05-12!!!!!! If you call Anthem...they will tell you everything that you need. Good Luck!!!

Thanks to u all for all the advice. It makes me a little more optimistic! I go to my doctor tomorrow so hopefully that will get the ball rolling!