New with questions about insurance and comorbidities

[AcidArmor 3]

Hi!

I’m new to the forum but have been lurking for a few weeks. I just started the process to get approved for the VGS. My currently BMI is about 38, and I have high blood pressure as my comorbidity.

My insurance is BCBS of MA, and so far their requirements aren’t too strict. I did my nutrition, psych eval and surgeon consult yesterday. I still need to do some tests and follow a 3 month diet (per surgeon, not insurance) to help transition eating habits.

I am still so nervous of getting denied even with my comorbidity. Mostly because my BP is mostly contained with a combination medication, but it still does go higher than is ideal. I’m just wondering if anyone knows what kind of documentation is usually required? I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but recently my blood pressure hasn’t been crazy high because of the medication. I guess I’m just worried the insurance will be like nope simply because it is in an acceptable range sometimes. I wasn’t sure if it was simply the diagnosis or if they want a bunch of proof I have high BP? I’m sure it may be different for different insurances, I guess I am just looking for a little advice.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I am also waiting to try to get a sleep study for potential sleep apnea as well, but if I don’t have that then my blood pressure is my only qualifying comorbidity on the BCBS of MA list.

I’m just afraid to get my hopes up. I have my visit with the NP at the bariatric center to start the 3 month supervised diet next Monday and I’m just very nervous something will go wrong.

Thanks for any help!

[JRT Mom 920]

I don't think it matters if your BP is under control with medication. You have been diagnosed with high BP, which makes it a comorbidity even if it's responding to medicine. Just the same as if you had diabetes and metformin was controlling it, it's there regardless of what the medicine is doing for it. You shouldn't have a problem with it being accepted as a comorbidity.

[AcidArmor 3]

Thank you so much for your input! I feel better when thinking of it that way. Everything is just really new to me and I am worried about all the small things.