During my bariatric appt today I learned that the 6 month supervised diet may be no longer after July 1, 2014 for BCBS NC policy holders. The Bariatric Association has been arguing that the 6 month supervised diet requirement has shown no benefit for many individuals seeking insurance approval and it prolongs on-going medical issues of many.

As we all know some individuals benefit from having to wait 6 months before surgery (more education, planning, etc.). However some individuals are dangerously obese and want to start their journey to becoming healthier.

I did not want to wait, I've been educating myself over the past 3 months (everyday) because I'm ready for a change. I've always been overweight. I have 2 pages of past diets and I can't count how many times I've tried to starve myself so I wouldn't put calories in my body (hoping my body would burn the fat). I know some may say that was stupid, it was but I've always wanted to look healthier. I have a very nonexistent metabolism. I have to work out 7 days a week, 30 days a month to see results. Realistically I don't have the time with career, 3 children, husband and household.

I learned this morning that I only have to complete my endoscopy and psychological. Then I can see my surgeon and get scheduled for surgery!!

Anyway I didn't mean to get off topic but I'm really excited !! I will definitely keep you posted if i hear more regarding BSBC NC decision. Hope this helps someone.

Hey everyone, just called my surgical practice for update. They've heard the following, the decision to eliminate the 6 month supervised diet has been approved. However practices cannot do anything differently until the update is put in writing. They are expecting the updated policy revision on July 15. This is so awesome!

I would hit the like button a million times if I could!!!!!

I know right lol!!!

Sooo since the 15th is taking forever to get here, has anyone heard anything else? I'm not very patient lol

I haven't heard anything since I contacted my surgical practice. Thinking about calling my insurance company today. I checked BCBS NC website for upcoming policy revisions but I didn't see a policy pertaining to bariatric surgery requirements.

I might try to call the hospital at lunch and ask. My first appt with surgeon is July 17 so I'd really like to understand the requirements before then. But, I'm in PA with BCBSNC insurance so they may not know about it.

Yes it's true for nc ...my appointment was today and the surgeon said it would be on the 15 of this month bcbs will be changing their requirements yes .....thank you lord : ) my last appointment was going to be in December they said all my other requirements was done so they told me to keep my August appointment and stay by the phone !!!!

Yes it's true for nc ...my appointment was today and the surgeon said it would be on the 15 of this month bcbs will be changing their requirements yes .....thank you lord : ) my last appointment was going to be in December they said all my other requirements was done so they told me to keep my August appointment and stay by the phone !!!!

That's awesome my 6th of 6th supervised diet visits is on 07/30 so hopefully everything happens on the 15th and I'll be approved and have a date by 07/30 if not because it's my last one I really wouldn't mind doing it.

That's Awesome!!!

This is great news! I have BC/BS of MI it's a PPO. I hope it's true fore us in MI.

So hopefully today is the day. Everyone stay tuned and post with updates please! My first surgeon appointment is Thursday and I'd love to go in there with news that I'm ready to go (after other required testing of course).

Well no change posted yet. Not looking to good:(

Just checked and it's POSTED!!!

https://www.bcbsnc.com/assets/services/public/pdfs/medicalpolicy/surgery_for_morbid_obesity.pdf

6 MONTH REQUIREMENT REMOVED!!!! There are some other changes so we need to review in detail but WOOHOO!!!

This is so exciting!!!

I have BCBS CA (though I'm in a different state) and my pan doesn't require the 6mo supervised diet either, as far as I can tell. I did call to clarify but they were about as clear as mud. My surgeons office called and the only requirement was a psych evaluation and past weight loss attempts. Just did the evaluation and hoping that means we'll submit for approval by August.

I have BCBS CA (though I'm in a different state) and my pan doesn't require the 6mo supervised diet either, as far as I can tell. I did call to clarify but they were about as clear as mud. My surgeons office called and the only requirement was a psych evaluation and past weight loss attempts. Just did the evaluation and hoping that means we'll submit for approval by August.

Hi Lexibelle,

I did a quick search for you just like I did for our policy. I googled "BCBS CA Corporate Medical Policy". I found the BCBS CA list of medical policies that have requirements before approval. Here is the link:

https://www.blueshieldca.com/provider/authorizations/clinical-policies/medical-procedures/policy.sp

Where as NC list it as "Surgery for Morbid Obesity," CA list it as "Bariatric Surgery." PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK your plan because from what I see, your plan does require 6 months (pg 3) . I'm sorry, I'm not trying to get in your business or anything. I just know I had one heck of a time sorting out the "mud" in the NC policy and if someone had pointed me in the right direction I would have been grateful. Good luck to you and please let us know what you find