Surgery soon - approval time

[kikikt 0]

Hello! I am coming up on the submission of my paperwork to insurance (BCBS) - so in essence I've jumped through every hoop they've thrown at me, three month dietary counseling, psych clearance, pulmonary and cardio clearance, EGD, the whole nine - the only thing left for me to do is go to the informational class about surgery, pre- and post-op stuff, and then they will submit the same day, Sept. 24. I've been looking on the forums to try to get an answer to how long approval can take when I came across a young lady who said her approval took six months because she has little to no health problems and she is young. I have been worried about this - my BMI just barely clears the 40 point mark, I have no co-morbid conditions and I am (relatively) young at 36. Other than that, most people with BCBS said their approvals took, on average, about a week. Did anyone have the same situation as me going in and if so, how long did your approval take? I have been concerned that they will deny my claim because I feel they will think that I should be able to do it on my own since I barely meet the requirements and I'm not sick.

[Dee_RNY 43]

I have bcbs. Submitted yesterday. Will keep you posted. I haven't had to jump thru any hoops yet. Lol

[jasminebsn3 119]

I have bcbs federal. I'm 25 with a bmi of 43 and was approved in one week. I was worried also because I have no co-morbities and am fairly healthy but they approved me. I just scheduled my surgery and am excited/nervous. Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

[sandralck1994 3]

I have bcbs I am 39 with a bmi of 49 and 5' 1" with no major health issues they made me do 6 months supervised weightloss I did not lose much at all I was up and down and insurance approval took less than a week.

[ready2B 263]

I have Anthem BCBS and it only took a day for my approval once they got all the right paperwork submitted to them. I'm older (mid 50s) and have a couple of comorbidities, but I don't think that mattered as much as them having all the info correct and that I met all their requirements before things were submitted.

If your doctor submitted documentation that you have tried traditional dieting programs and were not successful in keeping the weight off, then your age really shouldn't matter.

[lashante23 16]

I also have bcbs thru my job at ups it took 2 days for my approval

[Dee_RNY 43]

I got approved in 1 week. Doc didn't submit til 25 Sept. Bcbs federal standard....now I'm waiting for date but according to ins company it wont be til Dec 3rd. That's my auth effective date.

[UrCaliGirl 28]

I have Anthem BCBS and it only took a day for my approval once they got all the right paperwork submitted to them. I'm older (mid 50s) and have a couple of comorbidities, but I don't think that mattered as much as them having all the info correct and that I met all their requirements before things were submitted.

If your doctor submitted documentation that you have tried traditional dieting programs and were not successful in keeping the weight off, then your age really shouldn't matter.

Did they ask you for 8 years of your past weight?

[sandralck1994 3]

They only asked for the last 2 years

[ready2B 263]

Did they ask you for 8 years of your past weight?

They didn't ask me my past weight at all. My PCP just had to put in a letter that I had tried other weight loss programs and was not able to maintain a healthy weight. My surgeon's practice gave him a sample letter as a guide and he used it almost exactly, just changing my name and a couple of minor details. Guess they have that part down to a science. :-) I do think it a lot of it is about the wording and knowing what specific wording your particular insurance company is looking for to meet their requirements.

[Lkk0158 39]

Finally my last report was sent into my Doctor. Now approval time! Nervous, scared and excited all at the same time

[jasminebsn3 119]

Finally my last report was sent into my Doctor. Now approval time! Nervous, scared and excited all at the same time

GOOD LUCK!

[sandralck1994 3]

It will be fine. I just had surgery Monday the 6th

[Jen W 2]

My doctors help me get approved within two weeks. So far no problems. Meet with h I m again in Nov to set surgery date.

[Lkk0158 39]

I just got and email yesterday my paper work was turned into the ins. Co. Now the wait! Excited, but nervous!