I went for my initial consult last week. The surgeon told me he is sure (by my symptoms) that I have pretty bad sleep apnea. He wanted me to go for a sleep study, then wear a CPAP at least 2 weeks before surgery.

The doctors office called and said the insurance co wants all sorts of documentation (12 months documentation, a letter from my PCP, I don't even remember what else) I don't have 12 months documentation (really..who does???) I mentioned to my PCP a year or so ago about wanting a sleep study...but she said I had to go see a pulmonologist first...I didn't bother.

All this hassle over a sleep study...what is the chance of them paying for a lap band???? I am so bummed...still waiting for word back from the insurance co regarding the preauthorization. And...even if they do...I am concerned the doctor will not do the surgery without the sleep study.

I am really down about this.

The sleep study should be approved. Don't worry over it too much. Who is your carrier?

The sleep study should be approved. Don't worry over it too much. Who is your carrier?

BC/BS of IL. Any suggestions on any way to push it through without jumping through their hoops?? I just don't think I will be able to get the documentation they require.

BC/BS of IL. Any suggestions on any way to push it through without jumping through their hoops?? I just don't think I will be able to get the documentation they require.

I have seeen a thread about BCBS of IL I thought on here I would do a couple searches and see what the others were required to do.

I am really sorry about the sleep study though :tt1:

I have sleep apnea and use a cpap machine. It should be approved with out a problem Sleep apnea can cause severe illnesses like stroke or heart attack. When I first started using the machine I saw the difference right away. I wasn't falling asleep in the middle of the day anymore.

Good Luck!

I have sleep apnea and use a cpap machine. It should be approved with out a problem Sleep apnea can cause severe illnesses like stroke or heart attack. When I first started using the machine I saw the difference right away. I wasn't falling asleep in the middle of the day anymore.

Good Luck!

I have no problem with going to the sleep study..just can't believe BC will not pay for it without all these other prerequisites

If you doctor provides good enough information the insurance should have no problem paying for it. Sleep apnea in some people is very severe and can even cause death if people don't get the proper treatment if they need it.

I didn't have any problem with my Insurance approving my sleep study and I have anthem bc/bs of Ky. My pcp and I had talked about having a sleep study done, but I never followed through with making the Appt. When I went to the surgeon, he ordered it for me and it was a good thing. They said I had it bad, I stopped breathing 60 times in one hour. Now that I sleep with the Cpap Machine, Im not tired in the afternoon, and my husband said he gets the best night sleep now, without my snoring and tossing and turning!! Now if my surgery date would hurry and get here maybe I can get slimmer too!