Empire BCBS NEW YORK

[Bedwards32 98]

I went for my 1st appt with my surgeon on 6/29 and with my insurance which is Empire BCBS of New York, I have to have a clearance letter from my primary Dr, sleep apnea evaluation, psychological evaluation, nutritional evaluation, 3 yrs of medical records and I have to do a 7 month weight loss program. Plus a nutrition class & a support group meeting. Hoping it goes quickly!

Edited July 12, 2015 by Bedwards32

[BeginAgainDay 6]

I hope all goes well for both of you Teesaa and Bedwards32. And for me too. Keep me posted.

[Teesaa 30]

Good luck. I hope you get a prompt answer from the insurance. Keep you posted.

[BeginAgainDay 6]

I got my approval today! My surgery is August 17th.

[Teesaa 30]

Wonderful news. ???? It will be here before you know it. I think mine is going in to the insurance company next week. I hope I get an answer as quick. Mine hinges on if they will accept 2 years of weight watchers with doctors notes. If mine is successful I think I will be with you in August. Keep you posted.

[Teesaa 30]

I believe I have the same insurance as you (bedwards32). So my good news is I just got approved today!! Just a little over a week shy of 3 months from start to finish. With all the changes in requirements I was a bit surprised. So this was my timeline and I hope it is of some help to you.

Information session May 28th. Consult with surgeon June 12. In preparation for my surgeon visit I put together as much information as I could find on my weight loss journey and put it in a log. Luckily when I changed doctors about 6 years ago my records were put on a disc and I was given the paper copy so I went through it with a fine tooth comb for anything to do with my weight history. I also had a record of every Weight Watchers visit for the past 2 & 1/2 years.) I did all the tests required and was finished with them by 7/23. The other thing that helped me is I have an auto immune disease and for the past 2 years I've been to the specialist at least every three months. His records were included in my submission. My packet was delayed going to the insurance for several weeks because the coordinator was on vacation which was very frustrating. It finally went 8/6 and I got the news today. I actually have a dietician visit scheduled for tomorrow so we will look at the calendar then and pick a date. She indicated it would probably be in the middle of September.

[Teesaa 30]

I believe I have the same insurance as you (bedwards32). So my good news is I just got approved today!! Just a little over a week shy of 3 months from start to finish. With all the changes in requirements I was a bit surprised. So this was my timeline and I hope it is of some help to you.

Information session May 28th. Consult with surgeon June 12. In preparation for my surgeon visit I put together as much information as I could find on my weight loss journey and put it in a log. Luckily when I changed doctors about 6 years ago my records were put on a disc and I was given the paper copy so I went through it with a fine tooth comb for anything to do with my weight history. I also had a record of every Weight Watchers visit for the past 2 & 1/2 years.) I did all the tests required and was finished with them by 7/23. The other thing that helped me is I have an auto immune disease and for the past 2 years I've been to the specialist at least every three months. His records were included in my submission. My packet was delayed going to the insurance for several weeks because the coordinator was on vacation which was very frustrating. It finally went 8/6 and I got the news today. I actually have a dietician visit scheduled for tomorrow so we will look at the calendar then and pick a date. She indicated it would probably be in the middle of September.

14 days and counting

[butterfly** 39]

I have BCBS of NY and was told I have to do the 6 month weight documentation. In the mean time, I'm getting all my testing done and appointments done. I started this journey in August.

[Mom26 313]

I also have BCBS of NY - my last appointment for my 6-month documentation is next week. Had a full physical, got my psych done and met with the nutritionist. Hopefully that's all I need to do!

[Bedwards32 98]

I have a 6 month weight program to follow also, I've had my psychological evaluation, waiting for them to call to schedule my sleep study, I go to the dietitian September 22, and support group on September 19. So 5 more months of seeing my Dr and a sleep study I should be good to go!

[Mom26 313]

Just had my last appointment of the 6-month requirement yesterday with my surgeon. They actually set the surgery date for me then.... Sept 24th. Pending approval from BCBS. I didn't expect it to be scheduled so quickly. I'm in sort of a whirlwind. liquid diet starts tomorrow. Pre-surgical testing early next week. Still waiting for my endoscopy (damn, why didn't I get that done sooner???). Fingers crossed.

[2016NewMe 61]

Hello does anyone know if BCBStx PPO even allow it at all ????