NEW TO BOARD

Hi, I go May 8th for my very first appt. With Dr. Michael hodge in johnson city. I am nervous and dont know what to expect. Can anyone tell me a little of what is going to happen there??? Also I am very worried about my insurance, I have corporate systems, and I dont know if they will cover my surgery. My bmi is 42 right now, so I should qualify right???

Yes, you should qualify with your BMI. The first thing you need to do is call the number for member services that should be on the back (sometimes on the front across the bottom) of your card. *If you don't have a number for member services, contact your human resources dept and ask them for a contact number.* You can ask them if WLS is covered, what the weight/BMI/comorbidity requirements are and also what they will require to determine prior authorization. I don't know anything about Dr. Hodge but I'm sure someone will respond and let you know what to expect in your consultation. Good Luck!!! Susan

Hi Melissa. Welcome to the TN Board. I do not know a bout Dr. Hodge but I would assume that on your first appointment he is like any other surgeon. They want to make sure you are aware of the process of the surgery and that you completely understand it and the risks involved. They will also look at your medical history and let you know what tests and visits you will have to complete before insurance approval and surgery. The tests are like blood tests, ekg, ultrasound ..etc (changes with your history and Dr). Like Susan said, you need to make sure the surgery is covered with your particular insurance plan. Your BMI qualifies you but you have to make sure it is not excluded. If you do not have the insurance packet info from when you did your open enrollment or signed up for insurance, you can get it from your HR Department. It will list what is included and excluded. Or you can call your insurance company directly and ask but I would much rather be accurate by getting the info from looking at your companys plan. Good luck and I hope you have a quick process for having the surgery. Keep us updated on how it all goes. Misty

Welcome! This is a great site to learn from. Glad to have you! Hope your insurance is smart enough to cover this life style changing surgery. Beth B. in TN

I am also new to the board. I was on my way to johnson city for appt with hodge a few month ago thankgod i thought to call half way there they had no record of my appt and the girl tht set it up was no longer there and they ened up not taking my insurance. good luck not alot to expect first visit.Annrenee