Hey everyone! I'm pretty new here, but i've been reading posts on the site for a few weeks now since i've been in the beginning of this process. I have been to the seminar and have my first doctors appointment Monday, March 11th. I've heard of alot of different lengths as to how long pre-op can be. I am so beyond ready to get my surgery done i am super excited just for my first appointment. Just wondering if any of you guys have anthem insurance? I know all pre-op requirements are different depending on your surgeon but just wondering what the requirements were for my insurance. Thanks

I have Anthem BCBS of Missouri and mine did not require anything other than a history of weight loss attempts in the last 5 years (lol...that was easy to show) and then I had to see a pyschologist and a dietician. I was SO SO happy when they said mine was paid at 100% and I didn't have any waiting period. However, I know each plan is different. You drs office will call your insurance company and find out after your first visit. Good luck!!

I have Anthem BCBS of Missouri and mine did not require anything other than a history of weight loss attempts in the last 5 years (lol...that was easy to show) and then I had to see a pyschologist and a dietician. I was SO SO happy when they said mine was paid at 100% and I didn't have any waiting period. However, I know each plan is different. You drs office will call your insurance company and find out after your first visit. Good luck!!

Thank you! I've tried many different routes in the past 5 years lol im hoping i dont have long of a wait. There are only two bariatric surgeons in this hospital and ive been waiting since the end of december just for this appointment since they were booked for so long. Glad i shouldn't have many insurance requirement obstacles to overcome.

I have Anthem of Missouri and was told it was excluded. I was told to call the Pre-determination Department and if they deny, I can appeal. I am going to a seminar with the Dr. next week.

Hello... I have Anthemn BCBS California... I went to my first seminar in Nov 2012... I was banded on yesterday, 3/01.. Everything went great!!!

Hello... I have Anthemn BCBS California... I went to my first seminar in Nov 2012... I was banded on yesterday, 3/01.. Everything went great!!!

Congratulations!

Call the customer service number on your ID card.they will be able to look at your specific plan and let you know what the requirements are. Good luck.

Hi! I have Anthem too and was approved - my first appointment was February 6 and my surgery date is March 18. My understanding is that if it is covered in your plan (and I found out that mine was by logging in to the personalized anthem website). I found it under "estimate my cost." Then, I found this document that included the specific requirements: http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm

My doctor actually did all of this for me. I provided him with dieting history and he passed on that information. They have a psych on staff, so that was handled there too. It took 15 days for them to call and tell me I was approved. Good luck :-)

I have Anthem CT and everything was covered. They denied hospital admission but I stayed in extended care overnight. I had to have psych eval and two dietician visits. I also had to be cleared by Pulmonologist.

I have Anthem CT and everything was covered. They denied hospital admission but I stayed in extended care overnight. I had to have psych eval and two dietician visits. I also had to be cleared by Pulmonologist.

I also have BCBS of CT and everything is covered for me also

_{To "braydensmama", have you heard anything from your insurance yet? I also have Anthem BCBS. I do know that my insurance covers psych tests but the Dr. that is doing the test doesn't accept Anthem so I'm going to have to come up with $400 out of pocket but they did say that my insurance will reimburse me. Let me know how all this goes for you, it sounds like me and you are in the same spot in this process.}

_{To "Rina83" thank you for posting the site to Anthem, but to me requirement #2 is unclear. My surgeon is saying I have to do the 6 month diet because that's what most insurance companies require. Of course they haven't filed my claim yet so according to this I may not have the 6 month wait as long as my Dr. states that I have made weight loss attempts in the past? Am I reading this right? If I am right I wish the surgeon will go ahead and file the claim, it's been over a week since I've had the appointment with him. To think I have to wait for 6 months makes me even more depressed, as if being "morbidly obese" isnt' bad enough}