Empire BCBS of CA PPO

[Lisha 1]

Hi all,

I'm new this to this board and I'm excited about my possible journey. Right now I'm in the gathering stages of my journey. I found my surgeon through a co worker, but she went through her husbands insurance. I'm 26, 4'11 and have a BMI of 52.1. I went to the info session 6/26, had my consult with the surgeon 6/6, nutrition consult 6/7, psych eval 6/17. I turned in a letter of referral from my PCP, weight history from PCP for the past 3 years, a copy of my weight history from nurses who visit my job once a week, and now I'm waiting to receive a copy of my membership and weekly weigh-ins from Weight Watchers. As far as I can tell my insurance company, Empire BCBS does not require a 3 or 6 month supervised diet prior to approval, however I'm still nervous about being approved. Anyone have any experience with Empire BCBS? How long did it take for you to be approved? thanks!

[JayMiss 1]

Hi Lisha!

I have Empire BCBS NY PPO and i have my approval within hours of submitting.

I became friends with the lady who submits to insurance in my surgeons office and she basically told me once she submits paperwork it all depends on the nurse at Empire that processes your paperwork. She spoke well about Empire saying they work extremely fast.

Good luck!

[JourneyOfAFatKid 6]

Hello!!

I have Empire BCBS PPO here in Kansas and I havent submitted my things yet, but my nurse at the hospital does all of the submittals for me. From what I have heard Empire has a quick turn around time. Good luck and let me know what you find out!!

[Lisha 1]

Hi all. I had a quick turnaroud, four days. Not too bad.

[pamelakaye 0]

hello, i have bcbs of california, just submitted my paperwork on July 11th, started my two week liquid diet on the 11th, and my surgeon said he could do surgery as early as july 25th as long as we have approval from insurance company, i am hoping and praying that i have that approval before then, anyone have bcbs of california, and if so, how quick do they approve surgery...email me at kayekaye37_2003@yahoo.com