BCBS of illinois

[TxDumplin 69]

Hi..i have bcbs of illinois ppo. Just wondering if anyone else has this insurance? If so, what was required before surgery? Thanks

[Kellyk2511 282]

I have BCBS Highmark, but I do remember at the seminar that said BCBS of Illinois did NOT require the 6 month diet. I remember because I was super jealous! You still need the cardio clearance, pulmonary function clearance and also the psych eval.

[libra_lisa 136]

I have it and they require a 3 month supervised weigh in....the approval was really quick though...what hospital are you having your surgery if you don't mind me asking?

[TxDumplin 69]

Thanks for the response....I'm in Texas and would like to use Dr. Stephen Hamn...at Plano Baylor Hospital.

[libra_lisa 136]

Thanks for the response....I'm in Texas and would like to use Dr. Stephen Hamn...at Plano Baylor Hospital.

Oh okay!

[TxDumplin 69]

Just spend the last few hours searching the bcbs website for texas, illinois, oklahoma and new mexico...It directed me to their parent site and this is what i found.

http://asmbs.org/2011/12/hcsc-removes-mandatory-pre-operative-weight-loss-requirement/

Looks like it's really true. As of 2011, they no longer require the 3 or 6 month diet before surgery. I'm sure it's left up to the Surgeon on what's best for you though.

[libra_lisa 136]

wow that's interesting seeing as I just went through the whole process in 2012 and was required to do a 3 month weight in...but keep us posted

[TxDumplin 69]

I acutally just made my first appt. to see Dr. Hamn in Plano Jan.30th I'll update as I learn how this whole process will work. I'm going to see my primary care dr. this Wednesday and tell her what i'm up too...I hope she does not get upset for me choosing a dr. without her input on surgeons in my area.

[libra_lisa 136]

congrats!!! I hope that you don't have to do the whole 3 month thing and do and choose whatever make you comfortable!!

[TxDumplin 69]

congrats!!! I hope that you don't have to do the whole 3 month thing and do and choose whatever make you comfortable!!

Thanks!...i'm getting excited. Your surgery date is getting closer!!!...I'll be watching for updates from you. Best of Luck

[libra_lisa 136]

Thanks!...i'm getting excited. Your surgery date is getting closer!!!...I'll be watching for updates from you. Best of Luck

I'm extremely nervous but also very excited bc it's just a few days away 0_O but thanks a bunch and I will keep you posted!! I started a vlog on YouTube under the name "lisalosing2gain" but I only have one vid so far and it's pretty boring lol

[nienie 113]

I have BCBS out of Illinios but also have something called carewise from the company I work with. I was required to do 6 months of dietary consultation via phone, had to also consult with an RN for 5 months, psych eval. I started this entire process in June finished November 30 and was approved officially on Dec 26th. So, my guess is if you don't have carewise you probably won't have the six months of diet consultation.

[TxDumplin 69]

Thanks for the info Nienie!...I have bcbs ppo+ through hubs employer. That is something i certainly need to check into. I hate not knowing for sure

[tkd259 36]

I acutally just made my first appt. to see Dr. Nick Nicholson in Plano Jan.24th <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I'll update as I learn how this whole process will work. I'm going to see my primary care dr. this Wednesday and tell her what i'm up too...I hope she does not get upset for me choosing a dr. without her input on surgeons in my area.

You can call the insurance company and they will tell you what they require even before you go to the dr.

[Wdwfreak 41]

I have BCBS IL HMO. I was told when I started my process back in December of 2011 that it was not the insurance company that had the restrictions, it was my medical group. BCBS told me they would cover the surgery as long as I had the proper referral from my PCP. It was my PCP that required the 6 month of weigh-ins and 6 months of meetings with the nutritionist before they would give me the referral to the surgeon. Sooooo - I would assume that if they approved me with an HMO, you should have no problem getting approved with a PPO and you probably won't have to jump through the hoops.