BCBSAL coverage

Hi!  I'm new to the site as well as new to researching the LapBand procedure.  Does anyone have any experience/advice with insurance approval from BCBS of AL?  I have a PPO Health plan.  Thanks for the help!

Good morning and welcome to the Alabama Board.  I can't help with your question about BCBS and Lapband because I had RNY over 6 years ago but I just wanted to encourage you to be a part of us on this board.  I hope others here can give you some insite about the procedure you are thinking about.  We would love to be a part of your journey!!!

Thank you Little-Ladybug!  I appreciate your warm welcome & encouragement!

I have BCBS but like Debbie (Ladybug) I had the RNY procedure and it was wonderful coverage. I called them up and asked questions so you might have to do that as well. I had my surgery back in 2002 and had to go to Alabaster to have it done. There are so many doctors around the state now till you probably won't have to go far. Let us know what you find out.

Welcome to the Board!!!

Debbie

Thank you Debbie!  BCBS has made some major changes in their coverage options of weight loss surgery in the past few years (they used to cover more than they do now.)  I will give them a call to find out what I need to do to get the maximum coverage.  Was hoping to find someone here who had been through the process recently and could share their experience or give some advice. 
What is the RNY procedure?  I'm not completely sold on the LapBand, but am liking the idea much better than the gastric bypass.
Thanks again for the welcome and your help!

Welcome!  It isn't an insurance company issue, it is whether or not your company excludes/includes weight loss surgery from their plan.  Call BCBS and ask them if WLS is a covered expense on your plan, and get the exact steps required for them to do so.

Mine was covered by my husband's employer-there were very specific things I had to do such as prove 3 consecutive years of BMI over 35, 6 months supervised diet, etc.  They were even so specific about the 6 month diet that the day of the month for the 1st of the 7 visits had to be the same or before the day of the month for the 7th visit.....

Bottom line-start by calling insurance and then get the links to their website that outline the exact steps you must take.  Then make a check list and be persistent and follow it to the letter.  If your company excludes it, there isn't anything the insurance company can do.

I see you are researching the lap band.  I recommend you research the top 4 WLS-VSG, RNY, DS and LapBand.....know the pros and cons of each and then with a sugeon's assistance, plck what is best for your specific health needs and what will best help you reach your goals.  I thought I wanted a lap band, but my surgeon helped me determine that the RNY was best for my goals...and I've never regretted it.  I'm not saying any one surgery is better than the other, just make an informed decision on what is best for YOU...with a professional's assistance.  The book, Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies is an excellent resource.

Best wishes and welcome to the AL board!

Kim

Hi Kim!  Thank you for your note.  I did call my insurance company and found out all WLS is contracturally excluded from my plan.  No exceptions (I asked several different ways!)  So, it's back to the drawing board. 
Also, thank you for the book recommendation.  Had no idea there was a book!  I'll check it out on Amazon.  It may help find alternative payment methods since my insurance won't pay.
Thanks again!