maltomeel

Airwayman...funny thing, my Dr's insurance "girl" is Kim and his nurse is Dawn! Odd! My pulmonologist decided to snail mail, not fax my results to my surgeon...WTF??? I thought we'd be submitting today Waiting...... Jill in NY

I'm Empire BCBS in NY. I received my final results from my Apnea testing and I do have mild apnea. I have to say that I've never been so happy to hava a malady! I hope the Pulmonologist will fax a letter confirming this to my surgeon tomorrow....and then we submit! Whew. So, BMI over 40, over 5 years morbidly obese, psych eval, nutritional eval, 6 months "letter" of progress from PCP, Esophogram, EKG, Echocardiogram, letter from chiropractor re:osteo, CT scan of fatty infiltration of my salivary glands and liver (yes, even my glands are FAT), PCP letter of failed diet attempts, letter of support from my Endocrinologist (med controlled hypothyroid BTW). Hoping this will suffice. I did also have gestational diabetes but I don't think it counts, as it is not currently KILLING me. I'm a little sarcastic this evening..but I am so beyond excited, nervous, anxious...... Please send me some good vibes. Oh, BTW, after 2 weeks of daily, intense excercise and dieting...I gained a pound according to my PCP's scale. I wanted to cry.....I need this help so badly. Jill in NY BMI 41 246/???/175 Dr. Mayer, Huntington NY

Awesome! "the wwwaaaaiittting is the hardest part" Tom Petty says it so well.:clap2:

I had my PCP wirte a "form letter" that my surgeon supplied as well as a second letter with the 6 months of very basic information on monthly weigh ins (by date), diet journal discussuions, exercise discussions as well as "patient frustrated with rate of weight loss, etc.). I also had my wellness Dr. (chiropractor/nutritionist) write a letter of support and did write my own story...in human-to human terms. Welss se if it helps. I have my sleep apnea study on Monday and when the results are back, I'm ready to submit. It hasn't been long since I began my journey, but it has certainly consumed my life from the start. Thank goodness I have unlimited access to a fax machine and copier at work! Jill in NY BMI 41 Dr. David Mayer, Huntington NY

I got up the nerve to get on he phone with a case manager at Empire BCBS. She was a bit confused why the "patient" and not the Dr was calling. I explained that I wanted to know the exact guidelines for Pre Approval. She was hesitant and a bit chilly at first, but I warmed her up (by explaining that I am a bit of a control freak). Well, she told me that the 6 month medically supervised diet is no longer a requirement! It apparently was at one time but lo longer. I remained calm, but wanted to scream "HOORAY" into the phone. So, I've had the recommended EKG, Echocardiogram, Esophagram, Psych Eval, PCP visit and very encouraging letter and next week have the nutritional counseling as well as a pulmonary exam. I've listed each and every diet plan, cost, weight lost/regained. My bloodwork came back fine....slightly high cholesterol at 207 but nothing major. My BMI is 41. I'm hoping this will all be sufficient evidence for pre approval. I plan to fight for this one! Thanks for your input...please send good karma my way! Jill in NY 245/???/150 Dr. David Mayer

I have Empire BCBS Ny Direct HMO. Is there any way around the 6 month medically supervised diet? Does it have to be an MD to be considered medically supervised? I have been seeing a wellness Dr./chiropractor for over a year but I'm not sure if that would be acceptable? I'm a "do it now" person and the thought of 5 more months of waiting is agony. I have a wonderful letter from my PCP, seen a cardiologist (EKG, Echo), pulmonologist, had a psych eval, esophogram, going for a nutrition consult next week. My PCP explained my past thyroid issues, gestational diabetes, and also listed me as having sleep apnea (never tested but chronic sleep issues). I was HOPING this would be enough but the concensus seems to be that the 6 month diet will be imperative. Anyone think there is a chance I'll be approved without??? Thanks! I guess I need a cheerleader right about now! -Jill in NY