gailpatrick
Doctor's Office Got the Letter
Jun 14, 2007
Just before I left work this afternoon, I got another call from the doctor's office. They had received the approval letter from BCBS. Moving right along, getting closer.
I'm Approved
Jun 14, 2007
I just couldn't wait any longer so I had to call BCBS this morning. The person I spoke to said she couldn't find any paperwork about gastric bypass. Then she mentioned my husband. I had to tell her I don't have a husband. Then I wondered if she really knew what she was talking about. I called the doctor's office and let Stephanie know what I had heard. She said she would call them. In about 15 monutes she called me back and said that I was APPROVED. Now we're waiting on the letter. She says then Dr. Foreman's nurse will go over all my paperwork to make sure I have completed all the tests and reports that he requires and then she'll call me and make a pre-op appointment. Maybe all that will happen next week. I might be able to have my surgery in June. I sure hope so.
Just Waiting
Jun 10, 2007
The doctor's office faxed the paperwork to BCBS on Wednesday the 30th of May. After 2 phone calls I was told that it was received on the 4th of June (slow fax). Both calls told me they have 30 days to approve it. A call to the hospital was not so good. They want $720 before the surgery for a 23 hour stay. The doctor wants about $300 before surgery. I have already paid out $500. One of my grandkids has been at her other grandmother's for the past week & will stay there for the next week. It looks like the other two are spending the summer with me. They have been here since school was out. Their father has been living with me since the first of the year.
Third Visit
May 30, 2007
Yesterday I met with the nutritionist. He had a lot of good information. Said if I had any questions to call or email him. He gave me a folder that I believe I was suposed to get on my first visit. It had a lot of good information also. Today I had my annual pap. His office is on the same floor as the weight loss surgeons. I stopped by their office to talk to the insurance girl. Seems I should have seen her two weeks ago when I first met with the surgeon. She faxed my paperwork to the insurance company today. Said it takes them from two to four weeks to approve. Said I could call them tomorrow to verify that they received the paperwork. They can process claims in less than two weeks, so I don't expect them to take very long. Their requirement is 100 pounds or more or BMI of more than 40. I meet both those requirements. After approval, I will have a pre-op meeting with the surgeon and will need to go to the hospital for bloodwork and to preregister. I hope to hear good news soon. I am ready to go.
Tests Were Normal
May 24, 2007
The nurse from my family doctor called this morning to tell me that she had the test results from Monday and yesterday. Everything came back normal. She even got the doctor to write a short letter in his handwriting. She thinks I still need a letter from the heart doctor. I called to get that and hope to have it tomorrow. I'll be going to Huntsville Saturday to my third support group meeting.
Last Test
May 23, 2007
Today I went back to The Heart Center for a heart PET scan. That's the last test I have to do. Got another report from my family doctor. I have an appointment with the nutritionist next Tuesday. It's early in the morning so maybe the scales will show a small loss. I believe I've completed every thing on the checklist. I just need to get the reports from the two tests. I was warned to be sure that I keep a copy of all the reports in case the doctor's office loses them. I was told last week that surgery could be scheduled within two weeks after all reports are received. I would like to have that happen.
Met the Doctor
May 21, 2007
Last week I met with Dr. Foreman for the first time. The next day I went to my family doctor with a checklist of tests and reports that Dr. Foreman requires. I was scheduled for a caridolyte stress test last Friday. The Heart Center wanted to do a PET scan and needed to get precertification from BCBS. I was there for 3 hours and they only did an EKG. This morning I had Pulmonary Function tests and ABS. He drew blood from an artery.
Getting Started
May 15, 2007
Saturday I attended 2 support group meetings in Huntsville. The morning one was very informal and informative. The afternoon one had a couple of ladies down from Nashville. Today I had my first meeting with Dr. Foreman. I have BCBS Federal Employee Program. He says if all my test results were in I could probably be scheduled for surgery in two weeks. My high school class is having a reunion in September. It would be great to look smaller by then.
