bcbs of illinois????

Does anyone have this insurance that was approved? and if so, how long did it take to approve you?

I had BCBSIL PPO and was approved quickly. Although other people on here have had different experiences. Seems it depends on *****views your file. I had a BMI of 43 with no co-morbidities. At the time, I was required to do three months of physician supervised diet. I found some information on the web about what kind of information the doctor needed to have in his/her notes and I printed that out and give it to my doctor (exercise plan, diet, lifestyle change, behavioral changes, etc). I also typed up a sample letter of medical necessity based on ones I found on the web and gave her that as well. She was very encouraging and wanted to help in any way she could. I didn't actually do 90 days, because I had an appointment at the end of October, middle of November, and beginning of December before submitting. I didn't have a problem with that, but other people here did. I found out I was approved a week after the surgeon's office submitted. I called every day to check on the status of my file. I was very nervous about the process and felt like I won the lottery when I was approved. It was actually pretty painless for me. I hope it is for you as well.
Eileen

Thank you for responding. I have a bmi of 38, so I have to have a co-morbidity with mine, and I had to do a 6 month supervised diet. Which I just finished just last week. I have gotten some labs done too. I am praying that it will only take a week,two at the latest.lol

I just started a new job and one of my plan options is BCBSIL PPO and I was wondering about that. None of the paperwork mentions anything bariatric-related so I figured that was a good thing. I'm prepared to self-pay in Mexico, but it would be a heck of a lot easier (and cheaper) to do it here in GA with insurance.

I've been trying a new meal replacement and using protein shakes and a protein bar (just discovered Luna - yum!) but I'll tell you - the option to not feel like I'm starving would be awesome!

when i called and asked the policy just said bariatric surgeries. it didnt specify which ones. so i asked about the sleeve they said yes. good luck to you

 I called and they gave me a web address so I could read the specifics about bariatric surgery. Here is the link: http://medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/home?corpEntCd=I L1&path=/templatedata/medpolicies/POLICY/data/SURGERY/SUR716 .003_2011-03-15&ctype=POLICY&cat=Surgery#hlink . I printed it out and kept it in the binder of all my medical info and surgery information. I hope you can get this covered!
Good luck.
Eileen

I have BCBS federal, well it took them 4 weeks for approval. I have a co-worker that was going to do it with me, but she was denied. She is going to a nutrionist to get additonal information to submit. Good luck.

What!! that long? I have BCBS fed -I guess Fla. if it makes a difference. Why was your friend denied - somehting missing? I know with all the budget cuts, I am afraid they may drop it next year, and I finish my 3 mo about Oct 10.2011   I'm doing lap band, do not know if that makes any difference. This was 4 weeks after your doctor submitted? wow. I believe the max is 30 days turn around by law, they sure cut it close.

well first she told the surgeon at consultation that she smokes maybe 1-2 cigarettes a day. He told her that was okay as long as she stopped 6 weeks prior. Well so she took a nicotine test and it was neg, but because she told the surgeon she smoked that they said she didn't comply with 6 month no smoking guideline. But somehow the test didn't get submitted with other stuff. Then they said she did not follow the nutritional guidelines (because she didn't lose weight) so they denied her! She is doing a nutritional consult then they will resubmit it.

Thanks for responding, this stuff got me nervous,,,  You had to lose some weight in the 3 months or is this after your milk shakes start. I do not know, if that begins after before or after insurance approval. Monday I see Dr for 2nd visit, I havent really lost anything, didn't think I needed to yet. I do know- he will NOT do surgery if in the 2 weeks of milk shakes you do not lose!
  WOW 4 weeks is along time, other folks in different blogs have said from 2 to 10 days.( fepblue) My window gets very short during holidays if they dont approve faster than that. Lord!
So how you doing?