makemyownluck 785 Posted April 4, 2013 BCBS got my surgeon's request on Tuesday. I called them yesterday to check status - it was still being reviewed. I called them today - AND IT'S APPROVED!! They said the letter would probably be sent out tomorrow because the note was just added today saying it was "medically necessary". When I went to my final surgeon consult, I was scheduled that day. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see if there's ANY chance it could be done sooner (doubt it), but I'm definitely a GO for surgery on May 2nd. I'm so happy I could cry!! Good luck to all of you to get a quick and POSITIVE response from them! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dotdot63 2 Posted April 8, 2013 Hello, I am new here and have bcbsil and need to find a place to have the surgery that my insurance covers. I had an appt. in Herrin, Il. but had to cancel because they are not in my ppo network. Does anyone know the ones in Illinois? I live in southern Illinois. 1 Ashlee K reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diva1 29 Posted April 8, 2013 Hi dotdot, check out the bcbsil website. They have the bcbs centers of distinction for bariatric surgery page. This is where I found my surgeon. 1 dotdot63 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dotdot63 2 Posted April 9, 2013 ok, thanks. Can anyone tell me who they chose in Illinois? Any referrals? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diva1 29 Posted April 9, 2013 I'm in the Chicago area and my surgeon is Dr. Kane with the Kane Center, I received lots of good referrals to them. If you can't get a local referral I would start with a center of distinction, it makes the approval process easier. I would suggest going to seminars of the various surgeons. 1 dotdot63 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
makemyownluck 785 Posted April 9, 2013 ok, thanks. Can anyone tell me who they chose in Illinois? Any referrals? http://www.bcbs.com/why-bcbs/blue-distinction/blue-distinction-bariatric/bluedistinctionbariatric.pdf that's a list of approved providers, and I just realized Rush University (where my surgery is happening) isn't on that list. Uh oh. Better make some calls tomorrow... Here's the list: Centegra Hospital Woodstock Woodstock Little Company of Mary Evergreen Park Memorial Medical Center Springfield NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago Silver Cross Hospital New Lenox St Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago University of Illinois Medical Center Chicago 1 dotdot63 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dotdot63 2 Posted April 9, 2013 thanks for the info, but I know some that aren't on the list and are still approved like Illinois Bariatric Center in Champaign with Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib. When I called bcbsil they said they are listed under general surgeons, I just need to look them up and see if they are bariatric because they don't list them as being that. And not all Bariatric centers that are in our ppo are listed in their "blue distinction of bariatric centers" I don't know why they make it so hard for us to find them, they should just list them as that. Thanks for all your help. 1 makemyownluck reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katvo 5 Posted April 9, 2013 I am cin Peotone, and am going to Silver cross in New Lenox. Insurance approval was easier than pulmonary approval. I had to use a cpap machine for a month, without Much explanation f why I needed it, but it was all worth it! Best of luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortnsweet2013 2 Posted April 12, 2013 I have BCBS of IL PPO. Went to my provider today (Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss in Nashville). Will be submitted tomorrow. I just had to do a Nutristionist visit, letter from my PCP and Psych Eval because my BMI is over 40. Hope to have an answer next week...on pins and needles! 1 dotdot63 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
New me after 7 7 Posted April 12, 2013 I have the same insurance and I was approved in a week. I found out this past Wednesday!. My process went very quickly since the seminar in February and I'm super excited! April 25th is my date... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thinnatater 36 Posted April 14, 2013 I also have BCBS il - after reading this thread cant wait to get the ball rolling!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortnsweet2013 2 Posted April 16, 2013 Insurance approved!!!!!! Yes!!!!!! Sent on Friday 4/12 - approved today 4/16!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
New me after 7 7 Posted April 16, 2013 Congratulations... you have a date? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortnsweet2013 2 Posted April 16, 2013 Not yet. Just let me surgeons office know so just waiting on them to call me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites