Carefirst Blue Choice approved the lap band surgery for me in June 2008, but are denying the fills - even though I've called them and was told that so long as Carefirst approved the surgery, they would cover the fills. Has anyone out there dealt with Carefirst - Maryland?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I have the same insurance and they are not covering my fills. I was told before my surgery in June that they were no longer covering fills. Please let me know if you get yours covered.

Hi Mary,

Are the people at CareFirst Blue Choice out to lunch? I called yesterday with general questions & was put on hold several times & was finally cut off (right!!). I even asked the person to jot down all of my questions so she could find out all the answers at one time! I can't remember if I asked this before (forgive me if I did) how long did it take once the info was sent into BlueChoice? I was so hoping to have my surgery next month since I have a large project due Nov 15th. How long were you out of work? Dr Singh (St Agnes)said anytime between two-four weeks.

Hockeyson - my doctor's office received approval from Care First Blue Choice within 3 days of submitting the request for surgery. I had my lap band surgery on Friday June 13, 2008 (along with a hiatal hernia repair) and I went back to work on Tuesday, June 17. I have a desk job so I'm not lifting or doing anything strenous. I could see having one week off - but I know I definitely didn't need any more time than that.

Re Carefirst - every time I call them I'm put on hold forever, then usually the customer service rep never knows what she is talking about so she always has to consult with her manager. Apparently the manager doesn't know much either since I was told that fills were covered but they are declining to pay the bills.

Hope you surgery goes well! Keep me posted.

Received a letter from Carefirst Blue Choice that they made an "error" and my fills will be covered, as long as I have the proper referral from my primary care doctor.