I was just hoping to hear from anyone who has gone through a Centers of Expertise with Blue Cross of CA and what was it like? Was it difficult to get approved and is there anything you can tell me?

Edited May 19, 200917 yr by sandy00
misspelling

my surgeon's office and all my pre-op appointments were in west hills...my surgeon usually operates out of west hills hospital...but blue cross insisted i have my surgery done at a center of expertise...(uc irvine)...they covered my gas to and from the hospital...my sugery was late in the afternoon...so i had to spend the night...they covered my mom's hotel room and they covered my moms meals for 3 days....blue cross was GREAT!!!!!!!!!! my employer changed over to aetna and so far they've been great about covering my panniculectomy.

How did you get them to cover your gas and hotel? Was it hard to get approved? Tonight is my first meeting and I hope to get seen by a doctor within the next few weeks. I'm around a 35 BMI with heavy shoes and clothes on, so I'm a little worried. How was your approval with BC?

my surgeon's office and all my pre-op appointments were in west hills...my surgeon usually operates out of west hills hospital...but blue cross insisted i have my surgery done at a center of expertise...(uc irvine)...they covered my gas to and from the hospital...my sugery was late in the afternoon...so i had to spend the night...they covered my mom's hotel room and they covered my moms meals for 3 days....blue cross was GREAT!!!!!!!!!! my employer changed over to aetna and so far they've been great about covering my panniculectomy.

How did you get them to cover gas and hotel? I'm at a 35 BMI with heavy shoes etc on so I'm a little nervous. Was it difficult getting approved through BC. I guess I could always head down to Irvine? Is there anything else you can tell me that might help with this process?

blue cross had one of their nurtrionist call me (not my surgeon's) and i mentioned to her that i wish i could've had my surgery at west hills bcuz it was so much closer to me...she mentioned they would cover my gas...meals and hotel...i never thought in a million years to ask....i went for my consultation on august 13th, 2008 and had my surgery on oct. 6th 2008...i probably could've had it sooner but i had to make my pre-op appointments around my job schedule...i was very happy with blue cross...they covered 97% of my surgery....

Sandy

will you let me know how your appointment goes tonight?

I have Anthem HMO 100 %. I just recently went to my family doctor in Northridge and found out my blood pressure is 171/104. She prescribed me medication and scheduled a full physical on June 10th. I have not asked her to yet to refer me for this procedure because I'm not sure if my insurance would cover it.

I weigh 220 lbs at 5' 7" and I am 39 years old. Like I said, I have severly high blood pressure. I would like to weigh 135, but I don't know if 85 lbs is enough weight for me to qualify for my insurance coverage.

What process have you gone through so far to get this appointment?

Sandy

will you let me know how your appointment goes tonight?

I have Anthem HMO 100 %. I just recently went to my family doctor in Northridge and found out my blood pressure is 171/104. She prescribed me medication and scheduled a full physical on June 10th. I have not asked her to yet to refer me for this procedure because I'm not sure if my insurance would cover it.

I weigh 220 lbs at 5' 7" and I am 39 years old. Like I said, I have severly high blood pressure. I would like to weigh 135, but I don't know if 85 lbs is enough weight for me to qualify for my insurance coverage.

What process have you gone through so far to get this appointment?

sandy....i assumed u had a ppo...i had bc anthem ppo...of u have a hmo...i have no idea how that works...

Yes it is PPO. I know they cover weight loss surgery, I'm just hoping they will cover me with a 35 BMI. Thanks so much for all your info.

Sandy

will you let me know how your appointment goes tonight?

I have Anthem HMO 100 %. I just recently went to my family doctor in Northridge and found out my blood pressure is 171/104. She prescribed me medication and scheduled a full physical on June 10th. I have not asked her to yet to refer me for this procedure because I'm not sure if my insurance would cover it.

I weigh 220 lbs at 5' 7" and I am 39 years old. Like I said, I have severly high blood pressure. I would like to weigh 135, but I don't know if 85 lbs is enough weight for me to qualify for my insurance coverage.

What process have you gone through so far to get this appointment?

This is a free seminar through the hospital that is covered by my insurance. It is a requirement that I have to attend it before I can start the process. I will let you know what I find out tonight.