I lost the 30 pounds required by my doctor and went last Wednesday for my official weigh in. Today I got a letter from my insurance company (Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield) that said, "On 3/28/08 the Medical Services Department received a request to review for gastric lap band surgery for above member. Based on a review of the clinical information provided, the above request has been approved from 5/12/08 through 5/15/08. Based on the information provided to us, we have certified that the requested services are medically necessary and/or appropriate."

If they had just left it as "has been approved" and stopped there, it would be more clear cut. Does anyone know what "from 5/12/08 through 5/15/08" means? I'll definitely call the doctor first thing tomorrow but I can't wait!!!! I'm so excited. They must have mailed the paperwork out immediately for the insurance company to receive it so fast.

Did I mention that I'm excited??!!??:bolt:

I'm on my way. My twin grandchildren deserve a grandmother who can play with them and go to the zoo, etc. and not just have to sit around and watch.

Helen

Congratulations. It looks to me like you have to have your surgery between those dates, or seek further approval?

Hello,

I just received my app in the mail and i ran the info over to my docs office right away. I was wondering how long it takes to get the ball rolling and what happens when they receive the info and how long do they usually take to give you a heads up or down?

thanks

I am approved! The insurance company said they ask the doctor for a tentative date but it doesn't have to be those days. Woo-hoo! The person who does the scheduling wasn't working today so I'm hoping to hear from her on Monday.

Helen

Hey, Congratulations! It seems to me that the most exciting part of the process to becoming approved is when you see it in writing. The word "approved" is so powerful in our struggle to become healthier. God be with you and lots of hugs to you and your twin grandchildren who will no doubt have a long time to enjoy you at the zoo and the playground.

I would think they meant May 2008 to May 2009 and is a error typing.

I hope you get it cleared up asap. This can really get to the nerves, it did me anyway.. Good Luck

I can tell you how long my Insurance takes. Blue Croos Pers Choice

They recieve the request, and I was told in about 5 days the consent or decline can be sent out.

I do think the Dr's. Insur. person may not send request for one reason or another. So the request to Insur. may not be sent to on your time clock.

I stalled my own process by changing my mind. I went from RYN surgery (Gastric Bypass), to deciding on a Lap Band plus another mistake on my part regarding my Insur. (center of excellence -approved Hosp) has made my wait-- 1 month shy a year since I started.

I needed this time to be sure--but, I'm so glad it's almost here.