Insurance wants to call to get my weight before my surgery....is this a catch?

[Jumanna 3]

I have BCBSKS and got an approval a couple of weeks ago. Then a nurse from BCBS called me and said that in a few weeks they would "interview me" in which i would give them my height and weight. I have lost about 9 lbs since my last class for the approval process and am afraid they will find ways to deny me this late in the game. I already have a surgery date ready to go but also know insurance have done last minute denials to people in the past.

Do any of you have experience with that and if so - should I be worried? Thanks.

[allwet 868]

every Insurance has a cut off line for the surgery based on weight and other health issues you have if you are right up against that line you could get denied but if you are way over or have plenty of other weight dependent health issues it is just a formality they go thru

[gr8ful1 122]

Generally speaking (your insurance may vary!), your weight immediately prior to surgery indicate 2 things:

1: weight loss since your initial consultation with the surgeon

2: BMI > 40 (without comorbidities) or BMI > 35 (if you have at least one or 1 qualifying comorbidities such as severe sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, etc)

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

What are the exact criteria on your insurance plan for surgery? Check the policy. Email from their online sight and ask what would deny surgery, ask specific questions - 'if the bmi is 39 and no comorbidities, ' if I gain or lose any weight in the process', 'if already approved and scheduled, what would cause a denial?' I say use email rather than phone because there will be a written record.

BUT first, call your surgeon's office and speak to the insurance specialist - that person has experience with your ins company firsthand and would know about this 'nurse-phone call' thing.

I wish you luck and success.