Do I have a face?

Just checking to see if I have a face. My company has just changed insurance to BCBS IL PPO, so I guess I have to start all over again.... Oh well.

I do, I do have a face! Even if it isn't the best picture.....

Hi Dawn!! Glad to "see" you.

Hi Dawn! Want to warn you about BCBS - my policy required 12 months of a supervised diet (with MONTHLY visits to a doc and detailed notes), so if you have not done that you might want to look into it and see if that will be required on your policy! Just a heads up!!! Good luck

Thanks Patty: Actually, I have been reading about the 12 month "thing", and am in a quandry. After fighting ALL YEAR with Unicare and the MANY disappointments, my heart is pretty hurt. I am not quite sure what to do at the moment. I know I need to start by seeing my PCP, but I can't decide if I want to see the one that I had to see while on Unicare, or go back to the one I had before (that will be covered again under BCBS). THEN....I have to decide if I still want to stay with the surgeon in Madison (1 1/2 hours away), or go to the Barix clinic (40 minutes away), or the surgeon affiliated with my old PCP's hospital (15 minutes away). THEN......do I just try to get pre-approval from BCBS with all of the paperwork from the past fight, (including the Attorney General's office)? or hold tight for another whole year??????? What stinks the worst is that every day that I can't decide is one more day until I can get healthy....... Thanks for the vent, and let me know if you (or anyone else) has any pointers. Feeling lost, dawn

Well, as far as your PCP, I would definatly see the one covered under BCBS (if you like him) only because you will need to be seeing him ALOT and if he is covered, it would be cheaper under the plan. However, it depends on his commitment to WLS because you are going to need him to do a lot of stuff for you. As far as the surgeon, BCBS just put out a list of "designated centers" for the surgery. I would go with one of them if you can (not sure where you are located, but I know lots of them are around you) ONLY because they will know EXACTLY what BCBS requires and how to deal with them. You can read about the centers here http://www.bcbsil.com/PDF/bluereview/september_2005.pdf As far as fighting them with your old paperwork - it is worth a try, but if your policy requires a 12 month diet - it is pretty much a lost cause unless you have it. But I certainly would go for it - Can't hurt and you can always try again in a year if they Do end up denying you. It is a tough decision and I am sorry to hear about your insurance fight. I am nerviously awaiting BCBS decision as we speak (after three weeks of lost paperwork, incompentant people and an incorrect denial) Good luck to you.

If you have done the prerequisite 6 month physician supervised and dietician reviewed workup, you will not have to start from scratch. I have heard that BCBS is an excellent insurer. Good luck. Sherri