I have blue cross/shield of Alabama. I had an appointment to go see doctors at UAB about just self paying for the lap band. Found out the day before my appointment that I was pregnant with my second child. I'm excited but a little disapointed about my lap band plans. My question is, has anyone ever had success getting coverage if lap band surgery is mixed with another surgery - like having tubes tied? Or, do you know if self pay would be cheaper if combined this way. I may be reaching, but thought it was worth asking.

Thanks,

Amy

Amy,

Congrats on the baby! That is wonderful!

I have BC/BS of AL also and, to date, I know of no one that has gotten them to cover this surgery. I've priced the procedure all over the state and have found that Birmingham is the least costly in Alabama. However, the facility in Dalton, GA is a good bit less expensive than the ones here.

It may be easier to have the band done when you are having another procedure, I don't know as I'm not banded yet and have no info on that, but from everything I've heard, BC will kick out the charges for the band from what they do cover.

If I am ever able to self pay, I think I am going to try to go to Dalton and have it done, mainly because of the difference in price but I also have heard lots of great things about that clinic.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and say lots of prayers that soon BCBS of AL will get with the program and help us get this procedure!

Good Luck!

Hope

Amy,

Congrats on the baby! That is wonderful!

I have BC/BS of AL also and, to date, I know of no one that has gotten them to cover this surgery. I've priced the procedure all over the state and have found that Birmingham is the least costly in Alabama. However, the facility in Dalton, GA is a good bit less expensive than the ones here.

It may be easier to have the band done when you are having another procedure, I don't know as I'm not banded yet and have no info on that, but from everything I've heard, BC will kick out the charges for the band from what they do cover.

If I am ever able to self pay, I think I am going to try to go to Dalton and have it done, mainly because of the difference in price but I also have heard lots of great things about that clinic.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and say lots of prayers that soon BCBS of AL will get with the program and help us get this procedure!

Good Luck!

Hope

I have BC/BS of Alabama and I had my surgery in Dothan, AL. The insurance paid all but the $100 copay for me. Dr. Scott Robbins in Dothan is who I used. He's great! I had my band on May 21st and to date have lost 29 lbs. You may want to check him out instead of going all the way up to Dalton, GA. It's such a long way!!