Anthem BCBS Colorado

I heard Anthem BCBS of COlorado will only pay for surgery at hospitals that meet their criteria for bariatric center knowledge. Has anyone run into this issue? Is it true - from the article I read Dr. Johnell's office isn't on the list of "approved" facilities. Do I wait to see if I'm approved or cahnge Doctors now? I really liked Dr. Johnells credentials and would rather stay with him.

Have you called your insurance company to talk to them about what you need to do yet?? It could be this is just a rumor.. And I do think Dr,Johnell is a wonderful doctor.. As well as so many others are.. Good Luck and kep us all posted to what you find out.. This could help so many others in the future.. huga Audrey

I have talked with insurance - they told me that all info needed to come for a doctor, I couldn't get the process started or anything. I have my consult with Dr. Johnell on 6/21 and am nervous about getting the process started only to have them tell me no. I have double coverage (Sloans Lake Managed Care) so hope that one will come through for me. Maybe what one won't pay the other will. Thanks for your response. It's great to know there are people out there listening.

Kelly, I have BCBS and I wanted to got to Dr. Johnell, and my insurance would not cover him even though he was in the book. I called and askedwho they would covedr and they told me Dr. Chae at University Hospital. He has moved to a new hospital and it is covered as well. I am willing to help you out as much as needed. you can email me anytime and i can answer any questions. Good Luck, Kris

Kelly, I have BCBS of Illinois. My surgery was also preformed by Dr. Chea. He does primarliy lap and will only do open if there is no option. I saw him the week after I made my appointment. From the time I saw him and my acctual surgery was around a month. I would have had the surgery sooner but we were waiting to get approval from the insurence company. Once the approval came in I was in surgery 4-days later. If you are interested in making an appointment to meet him his new number at Skyridge is 303-662-1191. You will probably get Susie, she is his coordinator she is also the person who submits and gets your insurence approval in case you have questions about that. Good luck, Leslie