BCBS Illinois Update-Need more info for approval

wannababy · August 12, 2008

So....I heard from my surgeon's office today, who talked to BCBSIL today. They said I need to fulfill my 6 months supervised weight loss program, which is ONE more visit with my Primary Care Dr. SO....not the news I had hoped for, but the second best news for sure. They could have just flat out denied me. I was hoping they would count my Weigh****chers, but they said it had to be DR supervised, which was not a surprise either. It seems as if they are going to take 6 visits rather than 6 full months (180 days), so that is great news, hopefully they will follow through with that anyway.

So I have an appointment with my physician on Sept 2 and then hopefully we will get this to ins asap and get a quick approval... That is my update. I am very excited, but yet trying to be somewhat guarded b/c I won't be 100% until I have the approval paper in my hands. Thanks

Amy

Perky66 · August 13, 2008

I also have BC/BS IL. They approved me pretty quickly after I finished the 6 month diet. But I am confused, I didn't have to see a Doctor for my 6 month diet. They told me it could be any supervised diet such as weight watchers, nutri system, la weight loss...etc.. I had not done that in the past year so I had to counsel with a nutritionist once a month for 6 months. After I finished that and the Dr sent it in, I got approved within a week. Of course, I also had to have a sleep study, see a psychologist for an evaluation and have some extra testing done by the Dr. But I really don't think that was insurance required but maybe physician required. Anyway, my insurance paid 100% and I paid nothing except office co-pays. Good luck. Hope everything goes great!!!

wannababy · August 13, 2008

Perky66- Your counseling with the nutritionist is the same requirement as the counseling I have with my Dr., I think. I did not need a sleep study, but I did do the psych testing. I am sure hoping for a very quick approval after my Dr appt on Sept 2nd. I know I will have some out of pocket cost, b/c of my High deductible plan, but I know about that, so... Thanks for your post!!

*slim* · August 15, 2008

Hi. I have BCBS of Ill, also. My doctor used 6 appointments that I had previously. We are going to see if they are going to accept that. I had to do the psych evaluation and nutritionist visit. I am just waiting for my surgeon's office to send my information to insurance for approval. I wish you good luck with yours.