I have BC/BS NH. Just wondering between everything you had to do how long was it till you got a surg DATE?

It took my a little over six months to fulfill all of the requirements of my insurance company and surgeon. After I met all of the requirements it took 24 hours for my insurance to approve the surgery. I just got my final summary for the procedure, and my insurance company covered almost $44,000.00 worth of services. This amount includes all of the pre-surgery requirements accept for the lifestyle classes which I paid out of pocket. My insurance will also cover my fills as well.

Hi Heidib, I met with my surgeon on February 21st. She mailed my letter saying I was approved and my my testing dates on February 30th. I was lucky because all of my test were in March. I met back with my surgeon on April 30th and had my surgery on May 21st 2008.

I attended a seminar in February. I started my 3 month intensive program in early March and finished in early May. I had to wait for my psychologist to submit her report, so the paperwork was complete somewhere in the 20's of last month, I estimate.

The surgeon's office told me that it usually takes 2-3 weeks to hear back from Aetna, and they were spot on. I got the call on Monday! I'm approved!!!!!

Orea

Well my seminar was the first week of april and by the time I get surgery it should be November so that's 8 months for me.

Does everybody have to take the seminars or do just some insurances make you take them?

every doctor will have a seminar you have to go to. It's part of the process.

The seminar is an excellent way for you to get the basic information as well as get a feel for the surgeon presenting it, and whether you feel comfortable with him/her. You can ask questions. It's well worth your time.

And they are free!

Orea

yes seminars are very very helpful

thanks everyone.

welcome

There are many factors that will be taken into consideration through the approval process: your insurance, your doctor, how thorough you are in completing your applications/answering questions, when/if you're required to complete behavior modification classes (me), and ulitimately when the surgeon can schedule your surgery. My process has taken about six months. I am tentatively scheduled to be banded second or third weekend in July (applied in 12/07). Yoo hoo :cursing:

Hi Heidib, I met with my surgeon on February 21st. She mailed my letter saying I was approved and my my testing dates on February 30th. I was lucky because all of my test were in March. I met back with my surgeon on April 30th and had my surgery on May 21st 2008.

WOW! went really fast for you!

Hi,

My ins. is also bcbs butof Minnesota. My Bariatric center sent the packet in 7 days ago. I have not heard anything as of today. I have went thru all the requirements 6 months observed wight loss plan and all the testings. I am waiting :sad:

That's the hardest part, isn't it! Good luck!

Orea

Orea,

Yes! I have my last nutrition class, which is required and pay out of pocket.100.00 tomorrow night. I may find out something then. Thanks for the luck!

Rosalie