Anyone had BMI of 38 and gotten approved with Federal BCBS? I am waiting to hear from them. I do have Diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis. All these are new this year and decided sleeve could help me be rid of some. Hope to hear from others who have bcbs fed.

Wow.. That's crazy that it's taking so long!

I just found out that my doctors office still hasn't submitted my paperwork to BC/BS Fed yet - and it has been 11 days since my last visit and everything was ready to go then! Ugh. If the insurance company doesn't get back to me in a week or less, I'm going to have to change my whole schedule around because I was counting on a Aug 27th surgery date.

Sorry to hear. Hopefully the ins replies back asap to u.

I have that insurance and was approved. VSG scheduled August 12

I just received my approval letter in the mail from bcbs. My doctors office still hasn't scheduled me for surgery

My insurance coordinator makes me want to change doctors she is the most non responsive individual and it is highly annoying!!!

I have that insurance and was approved. VSG scheduled August 12

Lisa -

How long did your approval take? What is your BMI and do you have any co-morbidities?

I don't understand why it's different for some people with the BCBS (fed) than it is for me. Wouldn't the insurance all be the same? I do know the surgeons office makes a big difference in how things move along but I figured everything else would be the same. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

I just found out that my doctors office still hasn't submitted my paperwork to BC/BS Fed yet - and it has been 11 days since my last visit and everything was ready to go then! Ugh. If the insurance company doesn't get back to me in a week or less, I'm going to have to change my whole schedule around because I was counting on a Aug 27th surgery date.

Did they submit?

I have BCBS (federal employee program). I have the one with PPO, not sure if it's called standard or basic. I do know it's the more expensive of the two. ???? I've started the process for my sleeve just within this month. My BMI is 41.7, I have sleep apnea but otherwise very healthy it seems. All it really is for me now is just a waiting game, and the insurance required 3 more appts, one of which has to be with the dietician. The surgery coordinator said we'll be scheduling the surgery on my 3rd visit. This is what was/is required of me for insurance...

1. PCP medical clearance signed that your safe for surgery and that the procedure is needed..........................completed and turned in

2. Psych. Evaluation which was a 40 minute session with a lady that had sleeve 6 months prior by same surgeon..............completed and turned in

3. History of weight loss attempts by me, how, etc. Basically a handwritten "weight loss resume"........completed and turned in

4. 3 month required waiting game that includes 4 official "visits" to the surgeons office, one of which has to be the dietician/nutritionist..........1 visit completed with the second one scheduled in about a week and a half and that's with the nutritionist.

That's all that is required for me to get approval. I'm hoping that I can get a late October, early November time slot for the table. Fingers crossed!!!

Why do you think your requirements are so different? It is pretty much the same. I think the surgeons requirements vary.

I just found out that my doctors office still hasn't submitted my paperwork to BC/BS Fed yet - and it has been 11 days since my last visit and everything was ready to go then! Ugh. If the insurance company doesn't get back to me in a week or less, I'm going to have to change my whole schedule around because I was counting on a Aug 27th surgery date.

Did they submit?

Yes - I called back today and was told the paperwork was submitted. Now they waiting game begins. I was told give it a full week before I start bugging them.

SleevenChica....I'll go with what you said. The requirements from the surgeon are the big difference in each of our journeys with BCBS and the sleeve surgery. I was actually so curious I called them after seeing your post and sure enough you were spot on.

I know my surgeons requirements are different. I have done everything through them. I will post my costs and timeline when I get home! Glad you got clarification.

So my breakdown with my surgical group goes like this:

$730 paid in two payments for all wellness consults, pre bad post op nutrition appointments,patient material and weight loss nutrition class

$150 for 3 month nutrition program

$300 for Bariatric Advantage liquid diet

$153 for Bypass Vitamin kit

This is my upfront out of pocket cost totally $1333.

Additionally, since I already met with their Behavioral Specialist I went with her for the psychological exam for an added costs of $225. I decided to go with her because when I called another psych he told me my insurance would cover the appointment, but not his time to right the report for additional $175. So with copay I would have been close to $225 anyway!

I also had to have Barium Swallow copay $40 (I think) and EDG copay $100.

I will have my surgery at a Center of Excellence so I think the copay is $150. The office told me lost surgery I will get a letter of necessity in which I can then submit to my insurance for possible reimbursement. Since these are considered wellness providers procedure codes are nonexistent.

So when it's said and done it will be close to $2k. Not to mention this is my second rodeo.

Sleevenchica do you have basic or standard?

I have Basic.