Welcome news for me

Today I finally got an answer to my question.  "Will you cover the VSG or not?"  I asked it of my insurance company, *****ferred me to my IPA, *****ferred me back to the insurance people, *****ferred me to my surgeon's office for a code (which in the end I did not need).  Well, a nice lady at the insurance company just knocked me out when she said, two minutes into the call, that they would cover whatever my surgeon recommends.  Holy cow, you think you could have told me that two weeks ago!!!!  Well, I'm so grateful that its a settled matter and when I see my surgeon on the 22nd of May, I can say with confidence that I've decided on the VSG.  I was worrying that I'd get there without knowing and delay things further.  I have an appointment on Monday for a pre-op physical and EKG.  That's the end of all the preparation.  I think we are getting very close to knowing when.  I hope so.....I'm ready! 

I hope this day has brought joy to you in some way as well.  For those of you recovering, I hope this day was easier than the one before it.  For those waiting, as I am, I hope you are filled with hope for your future, and for those further out, I hope you rejoice everyday that you have succeeded for a while now and serve as a beacon for those of us following behind.

Blessings to all!

what wonderful news for you! Congratulations to you for all your efforts to start on this crazy journey.

I really like your last paragraph, it's very touching

Thanks Susan, I do appreciate your taking time to post.  On this crazy journey huh?  My whole life is crazy so it will fit right in.  I enjoyed your tale with BA....the ending was comical.  Sending hugs, Mary

That's great news, if it's true. I don't want to rain on your parade BUT....did you get her name? Did you write down exactly what she said and/or asked her to send you a copy of the policy with that segment highlighted/circled? Or maybe had her help you find that document on their website so you could print it out yourself? (that's what I did). I've had so many of the 'clerks' who answer the phones at the insurance company tell me so many different and usually contradictory things that I now ask for proof of what they are telling me. Most of the time when you ask for their name, employee number and/or department they transfer me to someone higher up the chain of command so they can take the heat. That's perfectly OK with me. It's already saved me time in dealing with this circus act known as insurance coverage!

If you haven't already, start keep notes on who you talk to, the date, what the subject was and what you were told. Being able to quote previous claims does wonders to cut through the chaff. Plus it never hurts to have your own set of records so I get copies of any and all reports and exams as well as make sure the surgeon and PCP both get copies. Between the 3 of us we'll have what the insurance co. asks for!

Good Luck!

Are you holding Deedles?  Whoever that is needs a kiss, and I'll volunteer. 
Thank you for your thoughtful post.  I agree wholeheartedly.  I have pages of notes, pages and pages.  My surgeon has been great as far as medical records.  They destroy the hard copy after it has been entered in the computer.  I've retained all the copies of those records as well.  I had not thought about the PCP getting copies as well, certainly that would be important for everyone to be on the same page.  I'll be sure she gets them.  I appreciate that.
You know the only thing I'm worried about at all is the insurance.  I'm afraid of a last minute screw up that will turn into some unending situation to deal with.  But I can't forsee the future, and that may not happen.  Worrying about it now is a waste of energy.  So I'll concentrate on what I can do....keep prodigious notes! lol
Thank you again.

I know what you mean! I'm not even as far along as you are, still finishing my required diet and getting tests and stuff done and out of the way. Just got the Cardiologists typed report today. Even though the Ins. Coordinator has assured me we're keeping everything covered and it's just a matter of time, I still worry about a last minute snafu that's going to throw a monkey biscuit in the works!  But she's very positive and insists with all the records we're all keeping we've got them covered!

Very Good Luck to you.....I'll keep everything crossed for you!

Congratulations!  That is really great news!

Thanks so much Marci.  It means so much that we celebrate each others little and big victories.  These things are huge to someone waiting.  And I love having someone to go to with happy news that my neighbor would never understand.  The OFF board is totally awesome.
Thank you for taking the time to post, it is appreciated.  Sending hugs.

Mary....I am SO THRILLED that you finally got the answer needed to your question about insurance coverage.   You have chosen a amazing surgery too !!!!   Good luck with your doctor visit !!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Hello Vivian,
I am so happy to be able to share this with you.  My friends here really understand what a trial the insurance issues can be, and how delighted I am to have this opportunity for a new life.  I'm getting antsy now!!! 

I look forward to your posts and so appreciate how you frequently work as an angel for those having surgery.  I know your heart is really in what you are doing and I am blessed by that.

Blessings to you,
Sending a hug your way,
Mary