Anthem Bcbs

[RachelC 15]

I have my surgical consultation on 8/2 and I'm a ball of nerves over getting it approved by my insurance! I tried doing a search in the forum for answers buit wasn't able to find much, so I apologize if this has been asked before (which I'm sure it has).

I have Anthem BCBS. I've already verified that Lap Band is covered by my plan as long as I meet the requirements, which I do. Requirements are here:

http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm

I have no co-morbid conditions. My BMI is 46. Everything else is in the works - I've attended the mandatory seminar that the surgeon's practice requires. I also have appointments to meet with the dietician and pyschologist for a mental health assessmeet. After my consult, I will be scheduled for labs, EKG, and the other required testing I assume. I am just wondering if anyone has had a good outcome with their insurance without the co-morbid conditions?

Is it typical to be approved right out the gate for surgery, or do you usually have to jump through hoops? I am just feeling a little overwhelmed with all the what-ifs, and I will be so disappointed if it gets denied. I really want this!

[missymobaby 23]

Rachel

I also have Anthem BCBS and I had no co-morbidities and my BMI was also like 45 or 46 and I got approved. I live in Indiana, though that shouldn't matter. As long as you go to all the appointments and do what the dr. says and they can show that in the write-up to Anthem, you should be good to go!

I know what you mean by being overwhelmed and stuff, I was too. Still am actually, because I get banded on Aug. 23 and I'm a huge bundle of joy, nerves, scared, etc.

Good luck though, I'm sure it will be approved.

Missy

[Jackie Murphy 10]

I have BCBS of MN...I was a 35 BMI with High Blood pressure and High Cholesterol...i also needed 2 years of BMI higher than 35....I had about 1.5 years of 35..and was nervous....they approved me within 7 days of the doctors office faxing all the info over....i was a nervous wreck....crazed!!! But the approval process went smoothly!!!! Good Luck!!

[RachelC 15]

Thank you both so much! That gives me hope that maybe I will get approved easily too I tend to think the worst with these sorts of things which I know I need to work on - haha. I will definitely keep everyone posted on my results once I found out!

[RachelC 15]

And Missy, GOOD LUCK with your surgery! You will do great!!!!!

[hippychick74 22]

I also have Anthem BCBS. You have nothing to worry about. Once your paper work is submitted you should be approved in 5 days. Mine was submitted on a Tuesday and they called my Dr's office on Friday. I found out on Monday. Good Luck!!

[cbarreto 38]

I have anthem bcbs and was approved with just bmi of 40. no cormobs...i was actually very healthy...just fat lol...they approved within a week

[245hot 7]

I have anthem bcbs and was approved with just bmi of 40. no cormobs...i was actually very healthy...just fat lol...they approved within a week

Thanks good info I also have no cormobs.....and was getting worried my next visit to the Dr.7/31/12wow it's a 4in1 visit ekg,labs,nutrition, sleep study ..

.then2more visits and clearance from my pcp.

Thanks

[NWgirl 574]

I have anthem bcbs through kroger and was approved in two weeks.

[PhatKat1127 55]

I have Anthem BCBS, at first visit I completed labs,ekg and met with advocat

She said she rarely has a problem with bcbs. I am a 40 BMI with

Pcos,reflux,high bp. But she said I met the 40 so I need a 3 month

Diet. I then spoke up and said I was on medically supervised weightloss program

Off and on for 2 yrs. She said she could get the records and would only need the psych eval. This was Oct 4 2012. She said if all goes well I could be scheduled

Next month. Fingers crossed!

[elgrande 55]

Good Luck!

[RachelC 15]

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update. I was approved for surgery by my insurance and am scheduled for this Thursday to have my lap-band put in! The approval process was so easy and I didn't have to do anything! Now I just wait for surgery!

[Thisgirl7 0]

Wow, this is all very encouraging... I also have Anthem BCBS. I have a bmi of 36, reflux, high BP, tachycardia (not sure if that will help with the approval or not) I have been on WW, phentermine and have even had Lipo all in attempts to get to where I want to be...

I am scared to DEATH about my consult and approval!!

[PhatKat1127 55]

Plan it quick! The end of year is coming and your insurance and deductible start over cone Jan 1 2013. I really hope I get scheduled for nov or dec. My out of pocket is gonna be $200. If I get it done next yr with will be $3000.00. I was told being on phentermine through previous weightloss attempts was good enough and my 3 month weightloss requirement was waived. I wish you the best!

[Thisgirl7 0]

Plan it quick! The end of year is coming and your insurance and deductible start over cone Jan 1 2013. I really hope I get scheduled for nov or dec. My out of pocket is gonna be $200. If I get it done next yr with will be $3000.00. I was told being on phentermine through previous weightloss attempts was good enough and my 3 month weightloss requirement was waived. I wish you the best!

Oh yeah!! Good reminder!!! I was going back & forth on whether to go after the holidays because I didn't want to be obvious with family and stuff, BUT YOU JUST SEALED THE DEAL FOR ME!!! If possible I want to go 1st week of Dec.

Wait, they waived the fee b/c you were on Phen?? You didn't have to prove co morbs either? When was your consult? Sorry for all the questions!! Lol