Hi all and Happy Saturday.

I got a letter today from my insurance company. Acutally it was addressed to my surgeon. It is a letter of predetermination, but it is requesting an estimate of fees before final approval. Has anyone heard of this before? I have NYS employee Empire Plan so it's a combo of UHC and BCBS. The surgeon and pyschotheraphist both assured me I wouldn't have a problem getting approved and I have seen on obesityhelp.com others from my area with the same insurance who have been approved. Maybe it's just a formality, just anxious to get a date.

Thanks for any help.

Some ins co who aren't totally used to a procedure/sx yet will ask for that info. if you wanted a sx that would ultimately cost them like $25,000 they would be like hold on, no, so they try to get a price range and then compare it to what your nutritionist, surgeon, and psychiatrist recommend. Most times they do approve the procedure, but they are just cautious about prices. I work for a drs office and I have seen insurance companies who want estimated pricing for diabetic shoes w/ inserts which are like $150. I wouldnt be too worried. Good luck and hope you get your approval soon. hope this helps.

Is your doctor in-network? This isn't all that unusual but if your doc is out of network be aware that you will be responsible for any amount he charges that your carrier will not cover. If your doc is in-network, has he done a lot of bands?