Boston Area Surgeon/BCBS MA Insurance/Psych EVal

[innwtitdtity 57]

Has anyone had Drs. Glasgow at CCH in Norwood? Going to a seminar in May. Went to one at another facility but was not happy with the MD, rubbed me the wrong way.

Any problems w/BCBSMA insurance in getting an approval for pre-testing, psych eval and surgery?

Also, at first seminar I went to, presenter said they require 500.00 upfront because insurance does not cover "education" by a psychologist. Anyone find that to be true?

I am just starting out, so any help is greatly appreciated.

[bandmember 0]

Yes, they are excellent. I had the procedure done in December, 2007 at Norwood Hospital and had a very positive experience with both dr & hosp. I also have BC/BS of MA, and no, they don't pay for the psychiatric test which costs $175.00. It's a test the office mails out to you to complete and then return to them prior to your visit with the doctor. They then sent it out for evaluation and the findings are sent back to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment with him. My insurance did pay for the psychiatric visit though. I only had to pay the co-payment for that visit. If you meet the criteria BC/BS has no problem pre-authorizing your procedure. They actually encourage this type of Bariatric surgery, which is how I found out about Dr. Glasgow in the 1st place. Outside of my deductible (I have a lousy BC/BS plan) they paid for everything; the pre-op., appointments with my PCP & surgeon; bloodwork, etc... They (BC/BS) even called me after my surgery to make sure everything was going well! The seminar is very helpful. Good luck and maybe I'll see you at one of the monthly support groups they offer when you're post-op!

[Sue Magoo 71]

Hi:

I can't say enough good things about the Drs. Glasgow and their entire Lap Band team. I was banded last July. The nursing staff was good at Caritas Norwood Hospital too.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I had Blue Cross too and they covered all except hospitalization copay of $500 and psych exam of $175.

Both of the Dr's. Glasgow are great (kind, caring, and gentle) and their office staff is so helpful. Jayne Smith handles all of the paperwork and makes everything happen in the background as far as scheduling, and approvals.

The monthly support group meetings are good too. Sometimes they're a bit crowded though.

I cannot believe that I started my Lap Band journey last March, started modified weight watchers in April, banded in July and I'm down 119 pounds! What a year it's been.

Good luck with getting through all of the preliminaries.

Take care.

Sue

[Allison 2]

Hi there!!! I haven't been banded yet, but I am currently going through all the pre-op stuff with the Glasgows. I went to a seminar way back in September but didn't have my first consultation with Dr. Adam Glasgow until the end of March. Just curious, who was the surgeon you looked into before? You don't need to say if you don't feel comfortable, but I was looking into a different program that simply had more experience that the Glasgows after I went to their seminar (the Glasgows have done about 100 Lap-bands, the other place in Boston has done 1000) however the office staff at the other place was a little rude and off-putting, they acted as if I had no idea what I was getting myself into and made me feel really stupid, the surgeon was unreachable, there were a lot of fees and charges and meetings, and in the end I decided to go with a more personable, accessable team like the Glasgows. I also have BCBS, I have not been approved for surgery or anything yet, at least I don't think so, but BCBS has been covering all of my appointments except for the psych eval.

[kimberlyp508 0]

The Glasgow team is awesome both Adam and Arthur! You are with the best! I also have BCBS and was fully paid for ...except....my co-pay for the Hospital and the Phsych eval with Dr. Newman which was $250. The Glasgows will get all your documentation to BCBS and you will be fine!

GOOD LUCK on your journey!

[innwtitdtity 57]

Why the long time between seminar and appt w/surgeon, are they back logged? The other facility was Tobey hospital and they had a 6 month wait also.

[Sue Magoo 71]

I only had to wait about three weeks from seminar to first consult with Dr. Glasgow. However, they are probably more busy as the good word spreads. The longest thing for me was getting all of the other appointments done.

Good luck.

Sue

[lucy12 0]

I transferred from UMASS to Dr. Glasgow and it was the best thing I ever did. The care, knowledge and love for what they do show. I know I am in good hands. I just finished up the Nutritionist, physiologist and did the sleep lab. Again; with the Nutritionist and Physiologist and the Sleep Lab they where great. I am waiting for all the results to come back and they submit to BCBS. So I am in the same boat as you...Waiting....

Keep me posted...

MAG

[Allison 2]

Yeah Lucy we are in the same boat. I just finished up all my appointments with everyone and am now just waiting!!!!!! Hope everything goes well!!! Keep me posted as well!

Allison