Hi everybody....I am new to the board!:nervous
I have been researching the band for almost 2.5 years. In the past my insurance wouldn't cover it, but now my spouse has a new job and our new insurance covers bypass or band WLS. I decided to go with Barix because I like Dr. Shram. I have met him and he really explained things well. He seems genuine. Plus he has a great track record. I live in Holland and Barix has an office here. There are a few WLS Drs. in Grand Rapids, but they have had some recent deaths --scary!
The one thing about Barix that I have been disappointed with has been their insurance dept. When I went to the info seminar at Barix they made it sound as though they would help me get all of the necessary records and info that Aetna (my ins co) would require. The only thing they helped me with is giving me a check list. So I have had to do all of the foot work and it is not fun. It is a full time job. Plus everytime I call Barix and talk to the insurance dept, they act like I am wasting their time with my questions. I figure that it is just that dept. Everybody else I have dealt with or met has been awesome and really helpful.
As for my requirements, Aetna requires me to see my GP for diet/exercise counseling for 6 months. I just completed that today. Then they require me to go for a psyc eval....did that. Aetna also wants to see my weight documented for the last 5 years. This has been the tough one...because we have moved 3 times due to my husbands job. I have been able to get all of my records except for the one that goes back 5 years. This Dr. office has been putting me off and not wanting to help me. So now I am at a point where I call them twice everyday and harress them about it. I decided that if they want to be difficult, then I will be a thorn in their side. :rolleyes
I also suffer from insulin resistance and have severe back and foot pain....I really hope I get approved. Although I am concerned that once I get the info to Aetna I will have to wait weeks and weeks to find out if I am approved. I am just wanting to have this surgery done so I can start my "new improved" life. Anyone else dealing with stubborn DR. offices, or Aetna? ??:couch2:
