Health Net Insurance???

[Calif_Princess 0]

Does anyone have Health Net, and if so, did they cover your O Band surgery?

[Gigee 0]

I had HealthNet when I did my surgery, September 14th. I had no problems with them at all. My paperwork was submitted and before long, I was approved. I didn't have to do a 6 month diet, probably because I had 10 years of documented diets on file with my PCP.

Good Luck!

[Calif_Princess 0]

That's GREAT news. I was so worried that Health Net would laugh at me. What constitutes documentation of diets? I'm 270 pound with my BMI at about 58% and I've been fat all my life. I have tried a million diets over the years (as have we all) but I didn't go to my dr. every time I started a new one. In fact, we moved and this dr. is sort of new....we've only had him for a few years now.

I'm worried and I haven't even gone to the seminar yet....lol

Melissa

[Gigee 0]

Well, for me it meant that everytime I started a new diet I would let my doctor know and she wouldl make note of it in my files. And I would follow up with her every few months. I've been on every diet known to man twice.

Go to a seminar. My doctor's staff consisted of an insurance specialist who knew the ins and outs of getting approval. You'd be surprise what they can do to assist with approval. Take that first step, you won't regret it. This is the best thing that I've ever done for myself. I ohly wish I had done it sooner.

[Calif_Princess 0]

Hummm I don't have any documentation of all my diets with my dr. I wonder how that will affect the speed in which I can have the surgery.....well at 270 pound and 58%BMI I should hope it wouldn't take too long..........

[kozlosap 0]

Hi Cal Princess! I have Healthnet HMO and so far everything has been very easy. My PCP put in the request for authorization to see the surgeon (Dr. Waldrep in Sacramento) and it was approved in twenty-four hours. I attended the mandatory group appointment yesterday and the surgeon's office gave me the referrals for a chest xray, blood work, nutritionist and shrink. I have to return to my PCP for an EKG. After all those appointments are completed and the reports sent in to the surgeon, they will schedule me for the one on one with Dr. Waldrep and (hopefully) I will receive my surgery date! I asked about the six month diet with Healthnet since I don't have any doctor documented programs either, and the bariatric coordinator said she hasn't had that problem with Healthnet. There is a diet requirement that some surgeons may require if you are "apple shaped". I don't think I'm in that category, but I will be sent a letter if I'm required to participate in the pre-surgery diet group. I had my appointment with the nutritionist this morning and she explained all about the Protein Drinks for the weeks before and after surgery. The shrink appointment is on the 12th! I hope to have surgery right when school ends in June if good o'l Healthnet approves! Good Luck! April in Northern Cal

[Calif_Princess 0]

Thank you so much April!!! I feel so much better now. :party:) I'm more the pear shape so hopefully I won't have to go through that diet thing...I mean, c'mon, I went on my first diet at 12 and I'm 40 now...............

Thanks for the info and good luck with your surgery! :party:)

Melissa

So Calif