Hello from AZ... Empire BCBS question

Hello Everyone! I am Nicole... I am originally from Long Island, NY (Lake Ronkonkoma)... moved out to Arizona back in 1998. I work for Morgan Stanley out of New York and I have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield for my insurance... I was told on my day of initial consultation that since i had Empire I was not required to do the 6 months of doctor supervised diet. But this evening I just got a message from someone else in the billing dept at my doctors office that they are getting ready to submit and need my documentation... so of course its 8pm here on a Friday night and I have none... was told I didn't need any! So, wanted to check with anyone else that has Empire BCBS and if they have done the 6 month diet? When I spoke the insurance company prior to making all the steps to do the WLS, they said they need pre-certification and letter of medical necessity from the doctor's that was it. So now, I am worrying just a bit because it seemed like everything was a go... I hope it doesn't come to a quick hault! Thanks for any information you can provide... New Yorker's are ALWAYS the best! Nicole

I work for a financial firm as well here in NYC, and our insurance is Empire BCBS - PPO plan. I was informed at the Bariatric Clinic I attend that 6 months of supervised diet is a requirement for most BCBS PPO plans. Your best bet is to contact Morgan Stanley's HR department - Benefit Coordinator - and request a Disclosure of Benefits booklet. Otherwise, just request the toll free number to your company's specific plan. I wish you luck in your findings! Let me know if you need any help at all (questions - research etc...) Ciao! \(^_^)/ susie

My insurance is GHI/Empire BCBS. I was required to have the six months doc. Call your PCP...........he/she may have some already documentd for you. Good luck. S