Question:
How long does it take to be approved by GHI /Blue Cross Blue Shield?

My insurance is GHI/Blue Cross Blue Shield. I'm planning to have WLS but I don't know if my insurance will pay for it. My dr will send the paper after the op. I don't want to pay for my op if my insurance denies it. This is a very expensive operation.    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 8, 2000)

June 8, 2000
There is no way under the sun that I would have my surgery without prior approval from the insurance company. What is you pay more than is customary and reasonable..will you not be refunded...will they hold you liable for the entire amount. I had a surgeon that wanted me to sign a waiver that would guarntee him his entire fee. I know that you really want this surgery, I wanted to have already have had mine but my surgery date is late August. Make sure you have approval in advance then there is no question as to what you are reasonable for financially. I have BCBS PPO of Georgia Federal Employees. They have approved me twice recently and I have a BMI of only 36! I am borderline for this surgery (5'8" 237lbs) My approval process took less than two weeks! It is definitely worth the wait! Teresa :-)
   — Teresa M.