Misha42000

I had my psych eval yesterday and she just asked me a couple of questions and made sure I understood the surgery and made sure I had a support team. he approved me at the end of my session.

I did check and they revised the medical policy G-24 for gastric sleeve on December 2016 and they No Longer require the 6 month supervised diet.

Anyone have issues getting approved?

I thought they didn't require the 6 month nutrition classes.

I didn't know a co-morbidity can be uncontrolled.

I've completed everything required by my surgeon and they just scheduled my preop appt. What happens at this appt does anyone know and I was told by my doctors office that I need my preop appt with the surgeon before they can submit paperwork to my insurance for approval.

Thanks for the info.

I'm praying it will be approved for me as well.

I didn't know there were 2 stages of approval. I only have my psych eval left and then my surgeon's office is going to submit everything to Highmark BCBS of PA for approval. I did confirm that in 12/16 they decided to get rid of the 6 month supervised diet

Thats great news.

Did you have to do a 6 month supervised diet and how long did it take you to get approved once you submitted your paperwork?

I have Independent BCBS of PA and found this out: Patients should have documented failure to respond to conservative measures for weight reduction prior to consideration of bariatric surgery, and these attempts should be reviewed by the practitioner prior to seeking approval for the surgical procedure. As a result, some centers require active participation in a formal weight reduction program that includes frequent documentation of weight, dietary regimen, and exercise. However, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal timing, intensity and duration of nonsurgical attempts at weight loss, and whether a medical weight loss program immediately preceding surgery improves outcomes.