Wendiss 0 Posted November 5, 2005 Hey Michigan Bandsters...I am wondering if any of you had BCBS of MI cover your band surgery? Did you have to provide the 1 year of documentation of medically supervised wt loss? I have BCBS Community Blue PPO and I know they cover it, but I refuse to give them my first born child in exchange for their coverage Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ts505050 1 Posted November 5, 2005 I have BCBS PPO, which as you knows covers the surgery. My surgeon had a form letter, stating that I had been attempting to lose weight for 12 consecutive months, and I took it to my PCP. I had tried for years, so she was supportive and signed it. It was not a big deal, as long as you have a doctor familiar with your weight loss efforts. Once I got the letter signed, the rest was basically easy. I didn't have to get any pre-approval, my surgeon just needed the letter in my file. I went to Dr. Zoe Deol, and they made the whole thing really easy. My surgery was covered in full, and I had it just a couple of months after I first heard of it. That was this summer...From what I have read people have to do to get approval, we have it very easy with BCBS PPO. Good Luck... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JANSKI 0 Posted November 6, 2005 Hi wendiss, It is a long process but it was well worth it. I had a tough time w/my family doctor because he didn't believe in the lap band. I have BCBS PPO not only did it cover the surgery but at first I didn't think it would cover the follow up visits for fills but it did. janet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poodles 0 Posted November 7, 2005 My surgeon had a form letter, stating that I had been attempting to lose weight for 12 consecutive months, and I took it to my PCP. Do you have an example of the letter? Would love to take it to my PCP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wendiss 0 Posted November 11, 2005 ts505050 I have to thank you for your reply to my post. Because of your reply to my post I now have my letter from Dr. Deol's office all signed by my PCP. On Monday I called Dr. Deol's office and spoke to Rebecca. BTW...Rebecca is wonderful. Besides all the typical stuff you talk about when making an appointment w/a new doc, we discussed self-pay vs insurance coverage. When I told her I was just going to pay for it by myself she mentioned the form letter and told me I might be surprised what we might come up with when I took it to my PCP and discussed my history w/her. She faxed me a copy of the letter to look over and take to my PCP. Right after we hung up I called my PCP and begged:nervous for an appointment with her before my 15th appointment w/Dr. Deol. They squeezed me in today. HOLY SMOKES...It didn't take us long to realize my PCP could have signed this months ago. I now have my signed letter and I am off to see Dr. Deol on the 15th to find out where I go from here. :banana :banana :banana:banana :banana :banana Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ts505050 1 Posted November 11, 2005 Congratulations! If ever there was an appropriate time to say it...I told you so! Rebecca is amazing. So is Dr. Deol. Good Luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrsgdmc 0 Posted December 3, 2005 I have Dr. Wood in Warren doing my surgery is there anybody out there that used the CORI centers? If so please post your experiences thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest unrulienurse Posted December 8, 2005 I used slim fast, curves, weight watchers for my proof of diets but no one ever asked for proof...due to high blood pressure and sleep apnea..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
