Question:
Insurance Companies
My question is has anyone ever dealt with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiled in trying to get the surgery done. I am very new to this insurance, and I am not sure what thier requirements are. Also, If there is anyone in or around the area of Blacksburg Va what doctors would you recomend I try? Blacksburg is about 45 mins south of Roanoke VA, thanks in advance. Melissa — kizie23 (posted on October 29, 2005)
October 29, 2005
i had double coverage with anthem. i had no problems with anything. i was
approved in 3 days. i have heard that they request the normal things like
6 months of monitored dieting, psych evaluation, and speaking with a
nutritionist. i had done everything but the evaluation as dr said my
insurance did not require it. i live in charlottesville area. i don't
know dr's down there at all. i went to uva hospital. my dr did a good
job. i had no complications. if you wish to e-mail me directly you can at
[email protected]. thanks tammi
— tjjjx6
October 30, 2005
Anthem has its Medical policies on line so you can read the requirements
for yourself. Look at
http://www.anthem.com/jsp/antiphona/bcbs/nav/ilink_pop_native.do?content_id=PW_037637.
The Surgeon website, asbs.org does not list any one in Blacksburg. You
may want to use the provider finder to help in your search.
— nursenut
October 30, 2005
I strongly believe in being pro-active about your healthcare. Go to the
website for your insurance and look up their clinical plicy. It should
tell you what they cover, as well as what they require.
— Novashannon
October 30, 2005
I had Anthem Blue Cross when I had my surgery in Sept 2002. I had no
problem getting approved, I did have some problem with lost paperwork, but
that seems more due to the doctor's office filing my claim with the wrong
insurance number and a misspelled name! Definitely follow up on things.
If I hadn't, I might still be waiting!
— sandsonik
October 30, 2005
Hey Melissa,
This is in response to the surgeons. I too am from Blacksburg, and after
speaking to people from the VA board, I found Dr. Tanachai Lucktong in
Roanoke to be well recommended. I also attended the WLS support group
meeting last week which is held the last Tues of the month in Radford at
the Carilion NRV Hospital. The majority of the attendees used Dr. Lucktong
and gave him high praises. My appointment with him is for January 17th.
FYI, they are starting a bariatric surgery program at NRV, but when I
questioned the surgeon about how many gastric bypass surgeries he had
completed, he said "None". Needless to say, I decided it was
worth the wait to go with someone who has the expericence.
I also have Anthem, as I work at Virginia Tech. Since it appears the plans
are different, you may want to contact them. I have the PPO Commonwealth
of VA and was told by the insurance company that since my BMI is over 40,
and I have HBP & high cholesterol, I just need to have the surgeon
submit the request and do whatever testing the surgeon sees fit.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at
[email protected].
Good luck!
Julie
— Julie R.
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