fat in nj

hello- Has anyone gone to the Barix Clinic in NJ? Was it hard to get approved by the Dr's and your insurance? I have Amerihealth they do cover the surg. but my BMI is just at 40 w/ no other problems.

I got approval before I even started the surgens requirements. I started making the appointments, but had not gone to any yet. The insurance requirements were the same as the dr.'s so once I'm done w/ the surgens requirements they hopefully can schedule me for my PAT test and then surgery. I belive they schedule both at the same time PAT and then 2 weeks later surg. from what I'v read. What made you do the Lap Band?

HI- Amerihealth was VERY easy for me. I was approved in about 6 days after I had my first consult. My BMI was 40 w/ no other problems. The surgen wanted me to go for a phych eval and a sleep study. Amerihealths reguirements were the same as the Dr.'s so far I have to do nothing other then what the Dr told me in the consult. BUT the Dr conviced me to have bypass surg. I Hope I'm doing the the right thing But I talked with two dr.'s and they both prefer gastric bypass??

I just have one question does anyone know if depression is considered a comorb?

I'm really glad to find some one who went to Barix clinic in PA. I'm from NJ about 15 min from the clinic. I have my first consult on June 3. How hard was it to get approved. My BMI is Just at 40 w/ NO other problems, My insurance will pay if my BMI is 40 or if my BMI is 35 w/ other problems. The insurance does not say anything about the 6 month diet hear about. Did they make you go on a diet first. I filled out all the papers about past diet history. I can't remember the exact dates I was on the diets. I only have medical records from the last 5 years. but I was up and down in my weight. never before was my BMI at 40 until now. How long did it take to get approved? DOes the clinic work with you to get approved or do you have to prove to them like you have to prove to the insurance companies that you need the surg. ANY INFO YOU COULD GIVE TO ME TO HELP W/ THE APPROVAL PROCESS would be great. Does family history of obesity help- my mom is also coming w/ me and trying to have the surgery. She has been over weight for a long long time and has other problems that will help her get approved. thanks for your help!

thank you!

The insurance policy states " the individual has either ONE of the following- A body mass index BMI greater than or equal to 40 OR BMI between 35-40 in conjunction w/ one or more comorbidities. it also states has documentation of failed history of medical weight loss. That's the part I'm worried about I never saved receipts from diet's or gyms. the medical records i have show my weight went up and down from 120 lbs to 220 lbs the highest being just recently. Did you have alot of records? or do they ask for alot of records?

thank you for your help. I did contact my insurance company and found the policy guidlines online. my problem is I hate to go to the Dr when I'm fat. I have some medical records from 2001- 2008 but my weight went up and down the hole time is was'nt a BMI of 40 the hole time.

thanks you for your help

:tongue_smilie: VERY VERY NEW TO THIS. HOW HARD IS IT TO GET YOUR INSURANCE TO COVER THE PROCEDURE? MY BMI IS 40 W/ NO OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS

Thank you for your help. How much medical records/ past history did you have to provide w/ the BMI of 40 and no other health problems? I'm very scared I wont be approved. thanks again