I've appreciated this thread. Wanted to tell others that after my six plus months (actually 9 with paper work delays at dr's office), my pre-auth only took three days. My advice to all is to continue to follow up with the dr's office and insurance. Pleasant but firm advocacy for yourself.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi. I'm so glad to hear that! I have BCBS of Minn as well. I do have a question for you. Did your PCP supervise your 6 month diet and how many times did you visit with the nutritionist during that time? The ins. coordinator at my surgeon's office and I read the policy differently. She hasn't worked with BCBS of Minn previously.

Thanks,

At my physician a Certified Nurse Practitioner saw me monthly for six months but she was doing that in the stead of the doctor. She spoke with me about setting goals, working in meeting exercise and diet plans. I had to keep a six month diary of daily calorie and protein counts. I used an app to record it and just transferred it to my log during visits. During this time I also had to meet with dietician for one private session and one group. In addition I had psych and pulmonary Consult. I only saw the Dr at my first visit and my final visit where he reviewed surgery consent. In my case I had to apply kind and gentle pressure to the office insurance person so that she'd get it submitted to BCBS. We have several family events coming up and I wanted to get the show going. My first visit with doctor was late July 2016 and I'm 10 days post op today. IT only took BCBS a few days to approve it. I also spoke with them every other day to see if the doctors office had submitted it. BCBS was very gracious. Best wishes to you! BCBS will send you the written criteria for approval, just need to give them a call.

Edited March 17, 20179 yr by LeaninLanc

I realize I didn't answer your question. The surgeon's office handled the 6 month dietary program.

Thank you & congrats on being post-op!!! Best wishes!

I realize I didn't answer your question. The surgeon's office handled the 6 month dietary program.

Another question for you... did you have to use a Blue Distinction Facility or was any hospital covered?

Thanks!

I did choose a facility that was on the Blue Distinction list as I think it was going to cost me less out of pocket. There were two hospitals both about 50 minutes from my home and I literally chose the one that was easier for parking and commuting as I knew there'd be many visits.

Ok. My surgeon's ofc is now telling me it has to be a distinction facility & he is no longer associated w/ one. I called the insurance and they told me it doesn't have to be. So I am at a loss and waiting to hear back from drs office. Sigh.