HOW long has whole approval thing taken?

[heidib 15]

I have BC/BS NH. Just wondering between everything you had to do how long was it till you got a surg DATE?

[Lunabeane 2]

It took my a little over six months to fulfill all of the requirements of my insurance company and surgeon. After I met all of the requirements it took 24 hours for my insurance to approve the surgery. I just got my final summary for the procedure, and my insurance company covered almost $44,000.00 worth of services. This amount includes all of the pre-surgery requirements accept for the lifestyle classes which I paid out of pocket. My insurance will also cover my fills as well.

[jazzyywan 0]

Hi Heidib, I met with my surgeon on February 21st. She mailed my letter saying I was approved and my my testing dates on February 30th. I was lucky because all of my test were in March. I met back with my surgeon on April 30th and had my surgery on May 21st 2008.

[orea15 0]

I attended a seminar in February. I started my 3 month intensive program in early March and finished in early May. I had to wait for my psychologist to submit her report, so the paperwork was complete somewhere in the 20's of last month, I estimate.

The surgeon's office told me that it usually takes 2-3 weeks to hear back from Aetna, and they were spot on. I got the call on Monday! I'm approved!!!!!

Orea

[Froggi 4]

Well my seminar was the first week of april and by the time I get surgery it should be November so that's 8 months for me.

[heidib 15]

Does everybody have to take the seminars or do just some insurances make you take them?

[Froggi 4]

every doctor will have a seminar you have to go to. It's part of the process.

[orea15 0]

The seminar is an excellent way for you to get the basic information as well as get a feel for the surgeon presenting it, and whether you feel comfortable with him/her. You can ask questions. It's well worth your time.

And they are free!

Orea

[Froggi 4]

yes seminars are very very helpful

[heidib 15]

thanks everyone.

[Froggi 4]

welcome

[Angelsma 1]

There are many factors that will be taken into consideration through the approval process: your insurance, your doctor, how thorough you are in completing your applications/answering questions, when/if you're required to complete behavior modification classes (me), and ulitimately when the surgeon can schedule your surgery. My process has taken about six months. I am tentatively scheduled to be banded second or third weekend in July (applied in 12/07). Yoo hoo :cursing:

[heidib 15]

Hi Heidib, I met with my surgeon on February 21st. She mailed my letter saying I was approved and my my testing dates on February 30th. I was lucky because all of my test were in March. I met back with my surgeon on April 30th and had my surgery on May 21st 2008.

WOW! went really fast for you!

[thinnerme 0]

Hi,

My ins. is also bcbs butof Minnesota. My Bariatric center sent the packet in 7 days ago. I have not heard anything as of today. I have went thru all the requirements 6 months observed wight loss plan and all the testings. I am waiting :sad:

[orea15 0]

That's the hardest part, isn't it! Good luck!

Orea