Hi all,

I am just beginning my exploration into bariatric surgery, and am trying to figure out the insurance logistics of it all. The BCBS RI website isn't very helpful besides to say the surgery is covered after my deductible. Does anyone know if they have the 6 month nutrition requirement? I have seen people from other states say the requirement has been removed from their BCBS, but nothing for RI. Also, what about all the preliminary tests and appointments? Are copays due for all those visits? I plan to go through Miriam hospital if I decide to do it. My initial consultation isn't until November and I am trying to research as much as I can before then.

@BeTrue83 did you have to take the survey thing? So annoying, felt like I had legit just answered allll of the same questions [emoji23]
[mention=324905]Subaru[/mention] I have a ppo, but I would think 2 would be the minimum. The first visit she asked different questions about how I ate and then gave me "homework" on how to eat differently. Second visit was mostly just checking that I was (mostly) following instructions and see if I made any body composition progress. The class is something the NUT has to schedule you for. I think mine is @12:30 or so? But there was another earlier, there's 2-3 others who attend at the same time. Tbh I kinda wished I had more time with my NUT, it's scary to think I saw her twice and now won't see her again till post op lol

Thank you! That's kind of what I was thinking (2-3 weeks) and I'll certainly be checking with my surgeon's office regularly (should I call insurance company itself though?) also do I pay deductible before approval or after? Lol so new to bcbs

Girl it was so annoying!!!!!!! But I'm glad it is over!!!

Sent from my VS990 using BariatricPal App

Girl it was so annoying!!!!!!! But I'm glad it is over!!!

Sent from my VS990 using BariatricPal App

I felt like I was taking an SAT test on my own life/mental health [emoji23] but yes it's over! Congrats! Best of luck with the rest of your journey [emoji4]

I felt like I was taking an SAT test on my own life/mental health [emoji23] but yes it's over! Congrats! Best of luck with the rest of your journey [emoji4]

It was even more annoying because she was the one at the computer as opposed to just letting me sit at the damn computer and do it myself....thank you hun and same to you

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11 minutes ago, briae13 said:

@BeTrue83 did you have to take the survey thing? So annoying, felt like I had legit just answered allll of the same questions
@Subaru I have a ppo, but I would think 2 would be the minimum. The first visit she asked different questions about how I ate and then gave me "homework" on how to eat differently. Second visit was mostly just checking that I was (mostly) following instructions and see if I made any body composition progress. The class is something the NUT has to schedule you for. I think mine is @12:30 or so? But there was another earlier, there's 2-3 others who attend at the same time. Tbh I kinda wished I had more time with my NUT, it's scary to think I saw her twice and now won't see her again till post op lol

Thank you! That's kind of what I was thinking (2-3 weeks) and I'll certainly be checking with my surgeon's office regularly (should I call insurance company itself though?) also do I pay deductible before approval or after? Lol so new to bcbs

How far apart were your NUT visits scheduled? I’m going to seriously lose my **** if this adds two months. ?

Also, yes, I would call your insurance company once you know the drs office has submitted for approval.

Edited November 6, 20178 yr by Subaru

How far apart were your NUT visits scheduled? I’m going to seriously lose my **** if this adds two months. [emoji15]

Also, yes, I would call your insurance company once you know the drs office has submitted for approval.

Had my first end of September and my last 2ish weeks ago. Soonest class happened to be the one on my the 20th .

8 minutes ago, briae13 said:

Had my first end of September and my last 2ish weeks ago. Soonest class happened to be the one on my the 20th .

Ugh!! So much hurry up and wait! So frustrating!

Ugh!! So much hurry up and wait! So frustrating!

Definitely a bit of a waiting game, but re nutritionist kind of preps you for life after surgery. I learned so much from just two visits. Just hang in there, take the earliest appointments you can and S-day will be here before you know it! [emoji4]

On 11/6/2017 at 7:23 PM, briae13 said:

Definitely a bit of a waiting game, but re nutritionist kind of preps you for life after surgery. I learned so much from just two visits. Just hang in there, take the earliest appointments you can and S-day will be here before you know it!

NUT cleared me today! She wants to see me again in a month, but said she is still going to clear me based on our conversation and my history. Next step, wait for insurance approval!

Edited November 8, 20178 yr by Subaru

Congrats!

My authorization came through today! Tomorrow morning the Drs office will work with the various groups for to schedule my pre-op testing and will schedule my pre-op appointment with the surgeon. Even though I've been following up fairly immediately all along the way in order to help speed up the process, all of a sudden it's moving very quickly!

Initially I thought I was going with the gastric sleeve, and now I'm doing the bypass, so I supposed I should post in that forum. However, this thread was really helpful to me because of it's focus on BCBS RI coverage, so I'm updating here.

I'm excited. And nervous!

Hooray @Subaru!! That is super exciting! I have my first consult this Thursday! My only hope is that I don't break down crying like I do every other time I go to my Dr :/

15 hours ago, ItsMyTime1985 said:

Hooray @Subaru!! That is super exciting! I have my first consult this Thursday! My only hope is that I don't break down crying like I do every other time I go to my Dr :/

Good luck on Thursday! Try not to add pressure to yourself by worrying about your reaction during your appointment. I forget, which Dr. are you seeing? You'll be fine! You are doing this for your health and that's exactly why they are doing it too. The good news is that you're both on the same page!

NUT cleared me today! She wants to see me again in a month, but said she is still going to clear me based on our conversation and my history. Next step, wait for insurance approval!

Yayyyyy

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On 11/14/2017 at 9:27 AM, Subaru said:

Good luck on Thursday! Try not to add pressure to yourself by worrying about your reaction during your appointment. I forget, which Dr. are you seeing? You'll be fine! You are doing this for your health and that's exactly why they are doing it too. The good news is that you're both on the same page!

I have Dr Siva V.

Congrats Subaru! & good luck itsmytime1985! Have my class for nut clearance next week and then waiting begins