Anxiously Awaiting

Does anyone know of this doctor? He is with Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Specialists in Bardonia, New York and performs surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York. I attended the information seminar and did the 6 month diet through them. I had all the pre-tests done, met with the nutritionist and psychologist, now I am just waiting for approval from the insurance company. Just curious if anyone had any experience with this group.

Good Morning Everyone: This is my first post. I am anxiously awaiting approval from my insurance company, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Has anyone had any experience with them? They received my information on September 24th and I have been calling every week to check if I am approved. They tell me it is still in review. They say it takes up to 30 business day from receipt of the claim. I am getting nervous that I won't be approved. I have a BMI of 38 with no comorbidities, but I do have a long history of obesity. I would love to hear from anyone who has this insurance. Annie

The phone number is on the front of my insurance card. I believe if I hadn't called, I would still be waiting. My surgery was scheduled for December 1st, so I didn't want it to get delayed. I also need to see my primary doctor before surgery for medical clearance, and I didn't want to do that if I wasn't approved. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your kind responses!!

My insurance company called me today to tell me I was approved. I'm sure they were sick of me calling everyday to find out!! I am scheduled for December 1st too - can't wait!! Good luck to you.

My paperwork was received by my insurance company (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey) on September 24th. I think I called them at least 3 times a week since then. It has been a frustrating process, but they called me today to say I was approved! I think they were sick of me calling and complaining to them. I am so excited. I had originally set a tentative surgery date with my surgeon for December 1st, so hopefully all goes well. I am thrilled, but nervous about Christmas. I can easily blow off eating around family. I just worry about Christmas parties with friends, co-workers, etc. where there is a lot of drinking involved. I will deal with that when the time comes - I am so excited!!! Good luck to everyone. I am excited to be a part of this group!!

FINALLY APPROVED!!!!!!! My paperwork was recieved by the insurance company on September 24, 2008. I have been bugging them almost every day. They told me it was on expedited reiview several times, I asked to speak to a supervisor, was told that he would call me within 48 hours... nothing. I was getting very upset. Received a phone call today and said I was approved!!! They are putting a letter in the mail today to me and my surgeon. I am tentatively scheduled for December 1st, so hopefully all goes well. I am so excited and scared at the same time. I haven't told anyone - except my husband, so now I am getting nervous with the holdiays coming, but I can blow it off, and just spend more time mingling and playing with the kids.

I still have not been approved. I called the insurance company on Monday and they said my claim was still in review. I said that I thought all claims had to be reviewed within 30 days. The lady said she would put a note on the claim to have it expedited, which means they have to review it within 72 hours, so hopefully I will know by Thursday or Friday. I can't believe how long this is taking. I really want to have the surgery by the end of the year. I am tentatively scheduled for December 1st.

Congratulations! How long did it take for you to get approved? I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. They received all of my information on September 24th and they tell me it is still in review. I am getting so nervous that I will not be approved.

My surgeon's office did have me do the 6 month diet program before they submitted the information to insurance, so I am hoping that this will be sufficient. When I first called the insurance company to see if they covered lap band surgery, they didn't even mention the 6 month diet. They said they just needed proof that the surgery was medically necessary. I was a little annoyed that the surgeon's office made me do the 6 month diet, but I guess they know what the insurance companies are looking for. So I am still hopefull that I will be approved my first go around. Thank you for your replies.