blue cross blue shield Illinois

[readyanxiousscared 57]

Hi guys,

Does anybody have BCBS IL? I am curious about the pre-op process and length of time from orientation/ 1st consultation to procedure. Thanks so much.

[delove32 91]

I have BCBSIL, my information was submitted to the insurance company around January 6/7. I received approval February 6. I initially started everything back in December. I had 3 "education" sessions during that time. My surgery date is set for March 26. But I could have had it sooner but I choose dates to work around my schools spring break. My process was surprisingly VERY fast compares to other stories I have read. I was really surprised to be approved so soon. Hope this helps! I am lapband not sure exactly how different the process is.

Edited February 11, 2014 by delove32

[readyanxiousscared 57]

I have BCBSIL, my information was submitted to the insurance company around January 6/7. I received approval February 6. I initially started everything back in December. I had 3 "education" sessions during that time. My surgery date is set for March 26. But I could have had it sooner but I choose dates to work around my schools spring break. My process was surprisingly VERY fast compares to other stories I have read. I was really surprised to be approved so soon. Hope this helps! I am lapband not sure exactly how different the process is.

That is very helpful but I have one more question, are u a smoker? And I'm not sure if the difference in procedure matters. Are u excited? Or nervous? Why the band?

[bodie602 16]

I also have BCBS of ILL. I needed one NUT class, a phys eval, 5 years of medical history, 2 educational classes, and an approval letter from my primary physician. I wasn't required to do the 6 month diet. It went pretty fast. My file was submitted on Feb 3rd and I was approved on Feb 10th. I don't have my surgery date yet but someone should be calling me today with that date.

I started this whole process on Dec 4th and was all approved by Feb 10th. It could have gone quicker but my work schedule was a little crazy. I'm hoping to have surgery by the end of the month.

[readyanxiousscared 57]

I also have BCBS of ILL. I needed one NUT class, a phys eval, 5 years of medical history, 2 educational classes, and an approval letter from my primary physician. I wasn't required to do the 6 month diet. It went pretty fast. My file was submitted on Feb 3rd and I was approved on Feb 10th. I don't have my surgery date yet but someone should be calling me today with that date.

I started this whole process on Dec 4th and was all approved by Feb 10th. It could have gone quicker but my work schedule was a little crazy. I'm hoping to have surgery by the end of the month.

What hospital?

[bodie602 16]

I'm in Phoenix, AZ so St. Lukes Hospital.

[readyanxiousscared 57]

I have BCBSIL, my information was submitted to the insurance company around January 6/7. I received approval February 6. I initially started everything back in December. I had 3 "education" sessions during that time. My surgery date is set for March 26. But I could have had it sooner but I choose dates to work around my schools spring break. My process was surprisingly VERY fast compares to other stories I have read. I was really surprised to be approved so soon. Hope this helps! I am lapband not sure exactly how different the process is.

Delove,

Can u further explain that process from December til submission in January? Did BCBS of Illinois require 3 educational sessions? I'm not very clear on the requirements specific to my insurance. I attended the info meeting at UIC Jan. 15Th and met with my surgeon and dietician Jan 31st. Feb 18th is my next appt, it will be with the nutritionist and then dietician again. I'm just a little clueless....

[delove32 91]

I'm not sure exactly how many nutrition classes but I did meet with them about 3 times and each time we discussed the band, expectations, and what and how to eat post op. I also had a psych eval, they gathered 5 years of medical records from any doc I seen during that time. You can look up the policy online with bcbsil and it will give you all the requirements for bariatric surgery.

[delove32 91]

I'm not sure exactly how many nutrition classes but I did meet with them about 3 times and each time we discussed the band, expectations, and what and how to eat post op. I also had a psych eval, they gathered 5 years of medical records from any doc I seen during that time. You can look up the policy online with bcbsil and it will give you all the requirements for bariatric surgery.

[delove32 91]

I'm not sure exactly how many nutrition classes but I did meet with them about 3 times and each time we discussed the band, expectations, and what and how to eat post op. I also had a psych eval, they gathered 5 years of medical records from any doc I seen during that time. You can look up the policy online with bcbsil and it will give you all the requirements for bariatric surgery.

[delove32 91]

Sorry for duplicate posts my phone acting crazy!