wellcare of ga approval of sleeve, now what?

[mommychuchii_ 1]

I got approved by Wellcare of GA! I'm having my surgery at gwinnett medical hospital in duluth, GA. The lady I spoke with said that I would probably have $730-$750 out of pocket costs for the nutrition visit, psychological exam, & the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and pills. Is there any way I can go to my own nutritionist and psychologist to that takes my insurance that way I dnt have to pay for it. Or can I go to the health department for a nutritionist visit? Anyone experience the sleeve surgery with Wellcare of GA? TIA

[allycatt98 35]

I got approved by Wellcare of GA! I'm having my surgery at gwinnett medical hospital in duluth, GA. The lady I spoke with said that I would probably have $730-$750 out of pocket costs for the nutrition visit, psychological exam, & the 2 week pre-op liquid diet and pills. Is there any way I can go to my own nutritionist and psychologist to that takes my insurance that way I dnt have to pay for it. Or can I go to the health department for a nutritionist visit? Anyone experience the sleeve surgery with Wellcare of GA? TIA

Mommychuchi,

I'm confused.... Is your surgery approved or just a covered benefit? I ask this bc the psych eval and nutritional counseling visits are all required in order to obtain approval. So if you haven't completed them how was your surgery approved?

In regards to nutritional counseling, some centers/physicians prefer for you to visit their NUT in order to ensure you're provided the most accurate information regarding their specific requirements. If I were you, I would confer with Member Services bc your Psych Eval is a covered benefit so I'm not sure why you would have OOP fees associated with that.

[mommychuchii_ 1]

Oops my mistake. I got covered for benefits through wellcare. Thank you for clarifying for me lol

[allycatt98 35]

Oops my mistake. I got covered for benefits through wellcare. Thank you for clarifying for me lol

Lol. Just be sure to pursue using your benefits as much as possible to avoid out-of-pocket fees. The Psych eval is covered. However, sometimes the Psychologists you are referred to by the surgeon are out-of-network and you end up paying out of pocket. I would call member services in order to maximize your benefits as much as possible. I worked in the WC PreAuth dept for six years and reviewed Bariatric surgeries so I'm used to the shuffle.