NOELEVON 8 Posted April 9, 2012 I have bcbs ca. Do most all bcbs plans cover the sleeve? Does anyone have the medical code for the sleeve procedure? I guess I just assumed it was covered, but now I'm getting a little nervous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cezann73 2 Posted April 9, 2012 Hey there - I work at BCBS..Kansas City... and our plan just started covering the sleeve in November. Every BCBS is is owned indivudally so it may be that not all of them will cover this yet. I started my journey in October and was going to to the lapband (because sleeve was not covered at that time...) but by the time I went to my first appointment... bcbs started covering.. I was ecstatic to say the least. I can fish around for the codes.. It may take me a day or two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NOELEVON 8 Posted April 9, 2012 Thanks so much for the info! I too started wanting lap band, but after hearing and reading the huge number conplications and revisions chose the sleeve. I'm hoping it's covered, I don't really want to go the route of gastric bypass. I kinda like my intestines the way they are. I would love the codes when you get time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meli01 53 Posted April 9, 2012 I have bcbs California and mine was approved in 3 days. There were very few insurance requirements as well. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoExcuses 24 Posted April 9, 2012 BCBS North Carolina began covering VSG last summer. Check with your company to see if you are covered. More and more are covering it now. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NOELEVON 8 Posted April 9, 2012 Another BCBS Ca person? Where have you been all my life? Lol I have been dying to find someone. Ok, I just sent an email to my hr dept to veriy if the sleeve is included in our plan. I wasn't sure if the employer decided which wls to cover or the insurance company. So, how long after your approval did you schedule pre op tests and surgery? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meli01 53 Posted April 9, 2012 Another BCBS Ca person? Where have you been all my life? Lol I have been dying to find someone. Ok, I just sent an email to my hr dept to veriy if the sleeve is included in our plan. I wasn't sure if the employer decided which wls to cover or the insurance company. So, how long after your approval did you schedule pre op tests and surgery? I know how you feel, when I was going through my surgery I couldn't find anyone else with BCBS California. I completed all my prep tests before my surgery was approved. My surgery was scheduled for 3 weeks after I got my approval letter. I started my pre-op testing and appointments on December 18th and my surgery was March 12th. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benjamin Prez 4 Posted April 10, 2012 Any BCBS texans? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Back~To~Amy 307 Posted April 11, 2012 The CPT code for VSG is 43775. About insurance coverage, I've learned that just because you have a certain coverage, the benefits vary as the employers are selecting the benefits. I have BCBS OH but my bariatric coverage has little to do with that and much to do with what my employer selected. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheetsin 714 Posted April 11, 2012 I have Anthem BCBS of CA and my sleeve revision was covered. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheetsin 714 Posted April 11, 2012 BTW I believe the CPT is still 43775. (Just saw that someone above listed the same, so hopefully there's truth in numbers!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Back~To~Amy 307 Posted April 11, 2012 BTW I believe the CPT is still 43775. (Just saw that someone above listed the same' date=' so hopefully there's truth in numbers!)[/quote'] I actually work in the insurance industry am sure that is the code for the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NOELEVON 8 Posted April 11, 2012 So I found out today from my surgeon 's pa that the sleeve is covered. Yeah! I'm just waiting to set up my pre op tests & final approval. 1 Meli01 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meli01 53 Posted April 11, 2012 So I found out today from my surgeon 's pa that the sleeve is covered. Yeah! I'm just waiting to set up my pre op tests & final approval. Congrats and good luck!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SV2 57 Posted April 11, 2012 I have bcbs California and mine was approved in 3 days. There were very few insurance requirements as well.Good luck BCBS CA here as well. What were the insurance requirements? I found out I'm covered (I am the employer and I guess got lucky that I picked the right plan that covers VST!). I am a lapband revision, but I'm concerned that I would qualify for a new procedure (33 BMI, etc.). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites