Has anyone heard anything else regarding CHRIAS and Insurance Issues?

I've emailed both CHRIAS and Independence Blue Cross this week in regards to CHRIAS either being in network or out of network. So far, no response from either. Has anyone gotten any additional information in regards to this? I'm about 3/4 of the way through all my clearances and my decision on whether or not to proceed with surgery will be based on whether they are in network or not. I would not proceed out of network due to the cost involved as well as future expense for office visits, fills, etc. I'm going to continue with my classes and appointments and worst case scenario will take my results to another doctor in network. I hope it doesn't come to this. I really liked the staff at CHRIAS.

i talked to blue cross blue shield and they told me contract negotiating with each other.... bcbs told me chrias will be issuing a retraction letter until a decision is made

Thanks for the reply Lew. This is very frustrating for me as it is for alot of other patients including yourself. It's not that I don't think my health is worth the cost, but I would not take the risk of having an out of network surgeon due to the continued cost and what if you need repeat surgical procedures? With the costs of surgery these days, the 30% out of pocket could add up to a significant amount. Thanks again for responding. Lisa

Hi All - I was at CHRIAS today and I think it is mainly political at this stage. BCBSDE is not paying enough in reimbursements and CHRIAS actually has lost money on many surgeries. You gotta at least break even or maybe even make a profit. Supposedly, there is to be a final decision by Sept 30 according to BCBSDE but the ladies I talked to there really aren't completely in the "know". It is the higher ups that are in control. My gut feeling and take on this is that they will work it out and continue the relationship. Here's hoping!

Nancy, Thanks for the update. I guess we'll all know in a couple weeks for sure. Blue Cross Blue Shield just unveiled their Blue Distinction Program with Centers for Bariatric Surgery. Information on page 30 of their fall 2006 UPDATE magazine. I wasn't able to get to the link for participating centers but I'll continue trying. Thanks again for the response. Lisa