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Anyone w/ BC of Ca go through a Centers of Expertise?



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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 by sandy00
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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.< /p>

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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?

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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.< /div>

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?

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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....

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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?

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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?

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

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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.

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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.

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