bethc500

One more thing... I had to follow up alot with each step for paperwork issues to make sure they were sent when and where they were suppose to be sent.

I went to my first informational seminar June 2011. I got a packet of info and started the process. I began tracking my meals and intake for the dietitian. I filled out my information and sent it in to the dr. office, I called my insurance to find out about coverage for the surgery, co-pays, psyc evaluation coverage, sleep study tests (if needed), I went down the doctors check list. After I found out I have coverage for the Psyc evaluation and I did not need a refferal for the evaluation I made an appt for the psyc evaluation. they scheduled me for July 8th. I recieved a letter from the dr office with an initial scheduled appt for august 4th. The psyc evaluation takes about 2 hours and they said it would take about 2 weeks for the bariatric center to recieve the report. I also did not have a primary care doctor so I found a participating provider and made an appt. for july. They sent me release forms to have my medical records (endocronologist, back doctor, breast exam results, gynocologist, endocronoligist, prior primary care doctor, etc...) all in one place. I filled out the forms and had them sent to my new primary care office. I had my appt with the primary care doctor on July 14th and informed her that I was considering baratric surgery. She asked about my history and types of weight loss used before etc... She wrote a letter of medical necessity (she mailed it to me a week or so later) and scheduled blood tests for me. She was familiar with this process. I went to my first appt with baratric surgeon and they did my history. In the same time, I met with the dietictian and she went over my food journal and made suggestions. The doctor told me I needed to lost about 14 lbs. I was scheduled for my next appt Sept. 8th. The doctor also wanted me to have a few more blood tests and an over night oxcimiter test... I had an appt for August 10th. with my primary care doctor. On august 10 I met with my primary care doctor and she scheduled the blood tests and the overnite oximeter test. I had the overnight oximeter test on August 24th. September 8th second appt. lost 5lbs. They decided to send in for the prior approval for the insurance. I recieved my approval September 29. I recieved my hospital stay approval October 20th. My appt with the bariatric doctor was October 21th I had now lost 15 lbs total. She said that I was scheduled for November 5th... I had my pre op testing last friday. So now I am 2 days away and looking forward to it. Sorry it took so long but I didnt want to miss anything. The doctor said that by doing as much as I could on my own and following each requirement to the letter I made this journey much smoother. Also I having my medical history in one location helped alot too because it showed my struggles in the past. My insurance was great except they did not want to tell me weather or not they do the gastric sleeve. I asked my doctor and they said they have had approvals from my insurance company before. Hope this helps....