Blue Shield CA PPO - Lap Band

Does anyone know if Blue Shield CA PPO has approved Lap Band?  I see a lot of RNY but no Bands.

I have Blue Shield, EPO, and it was covered under my insurance.  I am in California, my corporate office is out of Virginia.  Ours is called Anthem, Blue Sheild I am not sure if that is the same as what you have.  I originally looked into the band in 2004 and it was not covered, 2 years and 2 days later I went back to the doctor and they approved it. ~Kelle'

I have BCBS PPO CA and was 90% covered with a letter of medical necessity from my surgeon and a letter from my endocrinologist explaining my health issue of diabetes. Good luck!

Hi, My daughters have that insurance and it covered both surgeries. Call and find out , in your area Dr Mckeen has a good rep , at Good Samaritan Hosp, they also have a large support group that you could go to even if you do not get surgery there. You have many good doc in the area , but i think your insurance requires a " center of exelence" ....not sure what hosp. have received that status yet. I would recomend staying as close to home or work as posible. I went to Stanford and it is about a 3-4 hour trip........ Best wishes!!!

Duhhh , I just saw that you have Barry S. , he was the intern on my surgery and I know a few people who have had in in Birlingame , they all love him.

Hey Donna - thanks! I was actually inquiring for a friend...I have Great West PPO - which is why I went with Dr. Sanchez.  He's wonderful, I'm very happy. PS. Who wouldn't love him, have you seen what he looks like......LOL

The ONLY way to know is to call the ins. and ask.  I was told that you can have 5 people who have Blue Cross PPO of Calif. and have 5 different coverages.  Mine stipulated that the surgery must be done at a Center of Excellence by a Prefered Provider.  Others have had policies that say they can go to any Dr./Hosp. and still other aren't even covered at all.  Gotta call and ask.

Peace,
Rana

I think i am HMO and they approved Lap Band - it makes sense that the ppo would as well.