hopefulgirl

Well, I ended up faxing my info to Dr. Champion and spoke with one of the ladies there, she was very nice, she called and checked my coverage and policy and told me I was covered for the procedure. I had previously called the insurance company myself and they also told me I was covered for lap band. So, the day I spoke with the lady at the doc's office I called the insurance back to ask some more questions and spoke with someone else who informed that I was NOT covered and had a total exclusion in my policy for bariatric surgery. The lady at the doc's office also called back to check and they told her the same thing. I'm a little upset that two insurance employers told me and the office lady the wrong thing. Do they not know what they are doing. Thanks to them for getting my hopes up and then crushing them. Needless to say I won't be having surgery, as I can not afford it out of pocket. However, I am one of those people who thinks everything happens for a reason, so I accept it and will now just keep on trying to loose weight by myself, even though it seems unattainable. Good luck to all of those who do have surgery, I hope everything works out for you in the best way. NO LONG HOPEFUL GIRL:frown:

I was also considering Dr. Champion but I couldn't find anyone on here who had used him or could provide any info on him. PLEASE let me know how your experience with him goes. I am still considering him, as well as, Dr. Lin at Emory. I would love to know your opinion of him, his staff, location, EVERYTHING.

WOW...I graduated from West Ga in 2006. I hope everything is going well for you.

I decided to use Dr. Lin. When I called they told me the first thing I have to do is attend a free seminar where they will handout the paperwork and other items I will need to proceed. The seminar is Feb. 21st and seems like a long time away. I would have hoped to be sending my info to the insurance company before then and getting things started. For other Dr. Lin patients, how was the seminar?

Composite State Board of Medical Examiners: Search Licensee Database The link above will give you some importanta information about whatever doctor you are considering using in any surgery. Just thought if would be helpful.

Thanks sghatl!

Thanks so much Candy8360!

I just found out my policy covers the lap band procedure so now I am trying to decide on a surgeon. I've seen alot on here about Dr. Scott Steinberg and Dr. Edward Lin. Can anyone give me a phone number, email or webpage so that I can get in touch with them? Thanks

Hi everyone, I'm located West of Atlanta, in Carrollton Ga. I've not been banded yet...I still have to find out if my policy covers it. I have Anthem BC/BS and I am considering using Dr. Champion in Marietta Ga. Has anyone used him or heard anything about him? Also, is there anyone out there that had to prove 2 medical conditions cause by weight because your BMI is not 40 or above? My BMI is 37 and I have high cholestorol and PCOS (Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome) which causes insulin resistance and weight problems among other things. Dr. Champion requires $100 for the letter of neccessity and then $250 to schedule the surgery date. Does this sound normal? Also, do you pay for fills serperately after surgery? I guess I assumed they would be included in the cost of the surgery. Any adive would be great, I've been reading all the posts and have found lost of helpful info. Thanks!