dkalnas5175 2 Posted March 10, 2019 I have just started my journey for weight loss. I have BCBS of NJ. Just wondering if anyone has any experience in what they require. I have my 1st meeting with Nutrition/Dietician in 2 weeks. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed_NW 684 Posted March 10, 2019 HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD NEW JERSEY PRE-APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS Weight loss surgery for treating morbid obesity is considered medically necessary if the patient fulfills the following criteria: The patient should be at least 18 years of age AND/OR the patient’s skeletal growth is complete. Weight loss surgery for patients under 17 years of age is not considered medically necessary unless full skeletal growth has been reached and the patient suffers from a co-morbid condition, such as sleep apnea or hypertension. The patient is morbidly obese (i.e. has a BMI of over 40 OR has a BMI of over 35) with a life-threatening co-morbid disease such as: Congestive Heart Failure Metabolic Syndrome Coronary Artery Disease Hypertension Cardiomyopathy caused by obesity The patient, in the 12 months prior to the surgery, has to have: Completed a weight loss program for at least six consecutive months Participated in a surgery preparation program to enhance results and lower risk of complications after the procedure. Your surgeon will typically have these available. Undergone pre-operative psychological evaluation and understands the impacts of weight loss surgery The patient should have a letter of recommendation from his/her primary doctor. The bariatric surgeon should submit the proper paperwork for approval. The patient has to fulfill all of the criteria listed above to be approved for bariatric surgery. TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES COVERED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey covers the following weight loss surgeries: Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Gastric Bypass with Short-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Gastric Bypass with Long-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Sleeve Gastrectomy These procedures are considered medically necessary for treating morbid obesity. PROCEDURES EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE Mini-gastric bypass, gastric plication and other surgeries not listed above are considered experimental and not covered. 1 Frustr8 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dkalnas5175 2 Posted March 10, 2019 HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD NEW JERSEY PRE-APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS Weight loss surgery for treating morbid obesity is considered medically necessary if the patient fulfills the following criteria: The patient should be at least 18 years of age AND/OR the patient’s skeletal growth is complete. Weight loss surgery for patients under 17 years of age is not considered medically necessary unless full skeletal growth has been reached and the patient suffers from a co-morbid condition, such as sleep apnea or hypertension. The patient is morbidly obese (i.e. has a BMI of over 40 OR has a BMI of over 35) with a life-threatening co-morbid disease such as: Congestive Heart Failure Metabolic Syndrome Coronary Artery Disease Hypertension Cardiomyopathy caused by obesity The patient, in the 12 months prior to the surgery, has to have: Completed a weight loss program for at least six consecutive months Participated in a surgery preparation program to enhance results and lower risk of complications after the procedure. Your surgeon will typically have these available. Undergone pre-operative psychological evaluation and understands the impacts of weight loss surgery The patient should have a letter of recommendation from his/her primary doctor. The bariatric surgeon should submit the proper paperwork for approval. The patient has to fulfill all of the criteria listed above to be approved for bariatric surgery. TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES COVERED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey covers the following weight loss surgeries: Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Gastric Bypass with Short-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Gastric Bypass with Long-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Sleeve Gastrectomy These procedures are considered medically necessary for treating morbid obesity. PROCEDURES EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE Mini-gastric bypass, gastric plication and other surgeries not listed above are considered experimental and not covered.Thanks!!!Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app 2 Frustr8 and Ed_NW reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites