Still Confused. WHO am I supposed to be seeing? Federal BCBS

[fluffytofit 25]

Hey guys, I keep getting conflicting answers on who I am supposed to be seeing for my "medically supervised weight loss program." My insurance is Federal BCBS, and they require 3 months of the supervised visits. Some people are saying I should be seeing a nutritionist for these appointments, while others are saying I should be seeing my PCP. I know I need a nutrition consult, as well as psych consult in addition to those. Can someone, anyone, please shed some light on this for me? I have called BCBS to clarify twice now, and it seems as if they are just reading from the handbook, and not giving me any clear answers. Thank you!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Have you been to a WLS seminar with a surgeon, yet. If so, and if it's a good office, they should have an insurance coordinator who can help you clarify the insurance requirements. Chances are pretty good they have many patients with the same insurance/requirements and can give you some insight.

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

I am with FEPblue too (basic) I am using my surgeons NUT program. I think it varies by office...

[NinaB 16]

I am also FED BCBS.. Pick a surgeon. Usually you do the supervised diet with them.

[fluffytofit 25]

It definitely varies. In NC, the surgeons office wouldn't even see me until I completed my supervised diet requirements for my insurance. I transferred to NY, and I'm doing everything through the surgeons office. Thanks guys!

[losing_the_band 133]

Looking at the plan brochure, it looks like you should be covered by doing the following: I would visit your PCP first, and have them note in your file your weight and that you're trying to lose weight and seeing a nutritionist, then see the PCP monthly for weigh-ins along with the nutritionist. That way, all of your bases are covered. It's medically supervised, because you're getting a recommendation from your PCP and monthly weight monitoring, and it includes nutritional counseling, which is one of the requirements. Make sure that you've got 30 days between appointments, but don't skip a calendar month. You'll need 4 appointments with the PCP and nutritionist: one to start, and then at 30 day intervals until you've covered 90 days.