What happens at this appointment?

[futuresleever 44]

I have Anthem BCBS and I finally completed the 6 supervised diets that were required. I have an appointment on tomorrow to meet with the dieticia, the nurse, and a do a psych eval, what can I expect at this appt?

[Richard Foor 655]

When I had my preop consults they were mostly about preparing me mentally for the changes to life that the surgery was going to cause. Basically they explained what I would need to do postop and made sure I was prepared and committed to fallow through with it. Good Luck.

[reneetrom 31]

Its basically a baseline to see where you are at. They educate you on the changes and make sure mentally, and medically, this surgery is something you can withstand.

At this initial consult, they wont book you for a surgery date. You will be mandated to do 4 group therapy sessions and booked with a follow up with the nurse practioner again. Its usually at that month follow up, to see what changes you have made to prepare for the lifestyle change, that they go ahead and put thru the paperwork.

Good luck! It will be worth it!!

[futuresleever 44]

They also have a program fee of $300, does that take care of all the appts?

[reneetrom 31]

I dont know about the fees, as my insurance company is covering all costs involved

[READY4CHANGE2013 88]

I know I have to pay the first payment of $300 at the first appointment so I would say be prepared to pay it. It covers they physch, nut and everything else. My insurance company pays 100% too BUT they don't pay for the program expense....I guess it depends on your doctor. Thanks for sharing Reneetrom! I was wondering how it went from the first appointment. Now I can be a little more at ease!!

[reneetrom 31]

Yeah, its very straight forward!! And very informative. Call your insurance company ahead of time just to make sure you wont owe a payment when you get there.

Good luck to you all!!

[futuresleever 44]

This is what happened, I met with the nurse first and she went over some things on my application, a few things on nutrition, and complications. Then I met with the psychologist, she looked over my app and asked me a few questions and then said she approved me. Then I spoke with the dietician, she went over what I can eat for the first few weeks. The program fee allows me to keep in touch with the dietician and the counselor for lifetime, no extra fees.

[reneetrom 31]

Yes, insurance typically covers all those costs. To see what costs you may incure, if any, for surgery.....

[futuresleever 44]

The $300 program fee covers unlimited dietician and counselor visits.

[READY4CHANGE2013 88]

Yeah, that's what I had to pay for...the program fee NOT the surgery. Thanks you guys are VERY helpful!!