Hi all! I'm just beginning my journey and after reading about everyone waiting for insurance approval or having to jump through hoops to get approval, I decided to call my insurance company. They said I will need the Drs office to submit a letter stating medical need and previous diet attempts. I was told that since they do not cover visits to a nutritionist they do not require a 3 or 6 month diet prior to authorization. I said back to her "so, I need a letter stating medical necessity and the diets I've attempted and that's it?" And she replied "yes ma'am, that's it!" Does this sound right?

I would check again. I have never heard of it being that easy. You can ask that they send or e-mail you a copy of their requirements. Hopefully it will be that easy!

When I had lap band surgery in 2009, I had no pre op insurance requirements for approval except a referral from my doctor. I still had to go through all the pre op testing but don't know what of that was insurance requirement and what was my doctor's requirement

That's promising! Thanks!

My insurance company too doesn't require a diet and exercise program. The obesity nutritional visit were not covered. For me had to do a initial nutrition consultation , consultation with surgeon, submit 5 years of medical records and a 5 1/2 hour nutrition class with obesity nutritionist. Since I have a BMI is over 40 I'm not required to have 2 additional morbidities (even though I have at least 2). Talk to my surgeon office Friday they will be submitting the paperwork for approval next week. Doesn't sound at all far fetch that your ins company isn't requiring a lot info for approval. Good luck !

Edited October 5, 201411 yr by tissiegirl

Anyone have anthem health keepers plus (Medicaid) VA. If so how long for approval?

I have anthem health keepers thru my employer and it took 5 days from the date of my first appointment with the surgeon. I only had to bring a letter of referral from my PCP. It took a few months after the approval to get the surgery because I had to have the psych evaluation and 3 visits with the nutritionist. Good luck!

Thanks yea I got all that stuff out the way my paper work was submit on Friday cross my fingers

I'm with Humana and the only requirement they have is to have a BMI over 40. Waiting on my consultation now.

Maybe this question fits here....I have united health choice plan and have to do the six month supervised diet...I've been reading some posts that people have been denied or had to start over if they gained...anyone have any input with this insurance company or any company about gaining during this time?