Racshelle

October 3, 2016 PNWSleever, I went to my appointment with my first choice doctor this morning. The reception and treatment I received was great. I was able to meet with the surgeon who was also great. I received my clearance needed (subtracted) from what I turned in this morning, she too said that there were few requirements for BCBSIL. I asked her how long did it take for approval, she advised that it was taking awhile because the paperwork in confusion between Teamcare and BCBSIL. Teamcare just started covering the surgery this year in January. I advised the now there is no confusion because BCBSIL is aware that they approve the bariatric surgeries, I found this out calling Teamcare who told me to call BCBSIL for information on the surgery. The only other thing they asked me to do was the psych evaluation. I have my psych evaluation tomorrow at 12n. I was told my paperwork would be ready in 2-3 days. Racshelle Racshelle

I agree, thanks.

PNWSleever, I am in disbelief. I arrived 30 minutes early for my appt at 3:30. There was laughing from the time I arrived until I left. I was checked in, (I think I had too much done paperwork etc....) and eventually after 4pm I was called back by a person who looked at me in my opinion as if she did not want to help me. She gave me a dry hello, I actually saw her roll her eyes. She took me to a consultation room and then she told me to leave my things there and that she needed to weigh me and take my blood pressure. They ask patients to take off their shoes and socks to be weighed. I did and was weighed and then my BP was taken it was high. She asked me to go back to the consultation room and wait. She eventually came in to tell me "The nurse practitioner is not going to see you today." just like that, I asked why, she said because your blood pressure is high. I said I did not understand isn't that one of the things bariatric surgery is supposed to cure? I advised her that I understood what she was saying to me, I just wanted to know why I would not be seen because of high blood pressure. She went and took a few minutes and came back to say that "we do not deal with patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure." That I must go back to my PCP for my BP to be brought under control and that I could be refunded todays visit or leave the money for the next time I could be scheduled for a consultation. Once I was leaving the receptionist the nicest person I interacted with already knew to give me a refund I was not asked if I wanted to leave the money in place, instead I was given a refund. I got my refund and left. Honestly I feel that I was not wanted there as a patient and my BP was the excuse used to not give me a consultation. I left feeling disappointed and like I had wasted my time. I called the other doctor who was my first choice but could never get an answer at his practice for quite awhile this was before I ended up at the bariatric office I went to today. Today I got an answer at the bariatric doctor who was my first choice. I have an appointment on Monday at 11:30 am I am glad, truth is once I arrived I felt no so comfortable but was going to deal with it. I am prayerful I will have a better experience Monday and actually am able to get the ball rolling on Monday. Collette

September 28, 2016 PNWSleever, Thank you for the updates, I check my email every day to see if you have told me something new. I am glad that we can see nutritionists as much as we need to. I feel that will be a valuable resource to help us build and maintain the right diets, which will help us to keep the weight off. I am excited I go for my initial consult tomorrow at 3:30pm EST. Collette

I am excited for you, soon you will be having your surgery. Two more days before my appointment. My PCP will have my letter of medical necessity/clearance ready for me to pick up by tomorrow, not later than Thursday.

September 26, 2016 PNWSleever, Hello, I went to my PCP today to get a physical and to have my 8 month diet signed off on, just in case I am told that there is a six month diet even though I have heard many including yourself say that there is not one. I had an EKG, a chest x-ray, that was also part of the physical exam. I printed a letter of medical necessity and medical clearance and took it with me, the PCP kept that and said he had to have the office secretary re-type that and scan it into their system and asked me when I go to my appointment. I go for my initial consultation on Thursday, I am excited and ready to get the ball rolling. Racshelle

Hello PNWSleever, I appreciate your post, I have BCBSIL through my husbands job at UPS. fGlad to hear BCBSIL does not require the 6 month diet. I wanted to know if BCBSIL require a five year weight documented history? I have my consultation to start the process on 9/29/16.

Hello, I am new here. I have an appointment 9/29/16 to begin the process of RNY surgery. I have BCBSIL through my husband's employer UPS. They advise that BCBSIL will only speak to the provider to give requirements and that they follow the BCBSIL guidelines for WLS. My question is if anyone has used BCBSIL insurance through UPS (team care central states plan U2) where you required to do a six month weight loss program and was there a specific number of years of weights that have to be documented?

Thanks, Lisa for your response. No, I live in GA, my concern is getting the correct information, I have read here that some others had been advised that they had to do the 6 month diet by the surgeon, however the insurance company advised that they did not have to do the 6 month diet. I want to make sure that I do not end up wasting time, my deductible is paid and my surgery would be covered at 100%. I want to have the surgery before the year ends. Thanks for answering. Collette