ShellieB73
-
Content Count
50 -
Joined
-
Last visited
2 Followers
-
4 years has passed since you registered at LapBandTalk! Happy 4th Anniversary ShellieB73!
-
What's up with the "AND" stuff.......really......that is extremely frustrating!!!!!!!!!!
-
has ANYONE been approved through wellmark bcbs
ShellieB73 replied to hurryupandwait's topic in Insurance & Financing
Is there some concern that if the policy changes that it won't take effect until January 1, 2011. Is the general feeling that the policy will be changed? Lord have mercy........ -
Need help with appeal letter to BCBS Michigan
ShellieB73 replied to Cautious2010's topic in Insurance & Financing
Wellmark - BCBS in Iowa isn't covering yet either, but they are due to revise their policy this month.....I am patiently (not) waiting.....and stalking the website daily!!!!! -
Thanks Shellie! I hope your ins approves vsg soon! It has been such a great experience!
-
Just read your blog, Libby. You are doing so well!!!! I'm glad your surgery experience went so smoothly and you are beating this obesity thing!!! Keep goin' strong!!!!!
-
I'm holding my breath for a revision to Wellmark's policy sometime soon....I am in IA and I hear about surrounding states getting approval for the sleeve through BCBS. Anyone have any inside info? Thanks.....
-
Federal BCBS Wellmark Iowa - Approved
ShellieB73 replied to iowagirl's topic in Insurance & Financing
Many congrats and thanks for the information....I am waiting for the traditional Wellmark of Iowa policies to be updated as well. I have been contemplating submitting and then asking for an independent medical review if denied, but I have a feeling it will be soon!!! I guess I am trying to be optimistic Meanwhile...I continue to be frustrated with myself after removal of my band.....argh!!!! -
BCBC IL changed their web page today ...
ShellieB73 replied to thisislou's topic in Insurance & Financing
I'm so hoping that Wellmark BCBS of Iowa will hurry up!!!!!! My patience is wearing thin!!!!! -
When I had my lap band done I got a huge bill from the hospital despite getting pre authorization.... I called the hospital and asked for an itemized bill and found that they had billed for two actual lap bands. I kindly informed them that I did not have multiple stomachs like a cow and the problem was fixed with in about 6 weeks. Sometimes if the charges are over what seems to be customary, they will kick out the claim.
-
What if you had the lap band done under another insurance, they paid to take it out (due to slippage) and now you have new insurance (Wellmark). What's the chances of having to meet the criteria for weight loss surgery all over again? UGH!!! I did that once and now have to jump all through the hoops again to get a revision. ARGH!!!!! This is so frustrating!!!!!!!
-
I just received a return call from Wellmark on Friday...the gal was really nice, but no real helpful information. I know the current policy was revised in Sept 2009. The gal told me that they typically do revisions on policies every couple of years OR if they receive literature or information from surgeons, etc that would warrant changing it sooner. I say barrage them with reliable studies that support VSG and see if that persuades them to update their policy sooner than later!!!!
-
Hi,
Glad to hear you got approved....I am patiently waiting for Wellmark to change their outdated policy. Dr. Cahalan is a good surgeon and I am sure you will do fine. I don't think that he has done that many, but it isn't a real difficult procedure from what I am reading. I would love to know how you are doing and when you have your surgery.
-
5 Year Study published recently in Obesity Surgery Journal
ShellieB73 posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
SpringerLink - Journal Article Just thought I would share a link to a an abstract for an article published recently. I thought the results were pretty promising, and although the sample size was small, at least it is favorable for weight loss stability at 5 years and plasma ghrelin levels staying low. Now if we can get insurance to make some changes!!! Just wanted to share.... Shell
