bcbs MN

Has anybody had any luck with blue cross of minnesota?

I was approved for DS and had my surgery on 7/25/06 and I had BC/BS PPO of MN.

I got approved on the first try but my bmi was 52.

Which type of surgery are you seeking?

I know several who were approved for the RNY through them.

I have BCBS MN (PPO) - a COBRA policy through my previous employer. I have not yet received authorization, but I do plan to call Friday & speak with someone at BCBS to find out what my policy covers.

I will let you know what I find out

PS - I am looking into DS, which I hear some BCBS policies still consider an investigative procedure.

I decided to do a little investigating of BCBS of MN's policies on weight loss surgery and found the following info - I hope it is useful: Coverage
Prior authorization is recommended for all bariatric surgery and revisions/reoperations and for panniculectomy. Submitted documentation should address the patient selection criteria described above.

Coverage for the following procedures may be considered on a case-by-case basis for patients with a BMI > 50 and significant co-morbidities:

    * Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
    * Sleeve gastrectomy

BCBS of MN - Weight Loss Surgery Information

Prior Authorization

I was recently denied a lap-band to DS revision surgery by BCBS of MN.  The reason for the denial was that I cannot prove that the vomitting I am experiencing is related to the band.  They are also denying the surgery because it is considered "investigative".   I am attempting to come up with my appeal letter right now, but unsure of how to write the appeal.   I have been told the BCBS denies weight loss surgery first requests and forces people to appeal.   Personally, I believe they do that because appealing is difficult and so many give up and never attempt to appeal.   I am going to appeal and if denied a second time I will continue until I get it approved.  Dawn