Well, I think I may have coverage!!!

 Hi Everyone!

I just started a new job and it looks like I have insurance coverage for bariatric surgery!!  This is the response i received from the HR department:

"The benefit plan covers charges for medically necessary gastric surgery for clinically severe obesity.  These services require preauthorization to confirm the patient meets the medical criteria.  I would recommend the member have her physician submit the treatment plan for review.  The details for preauthorization are on the back of the member ID card.  Providers are very familiar with this process."

Now I guess this doesn't necessarily mean it covers the DS but I will fight to try and have it covered!  The insurance is through Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland. Does anyone have any experience with this insurance?

As far as surgeons go I have looked into Dr. Elariny in VA as he is fairly close (only about 1 hr away) and seems to have a good reputation. I also saw on here that people have had the surgery with him and have had Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Does anyone have any personal experiences with Dr. Elhariny they would care to share?  Thanks in advance!!

 I am so happy for you!! I thought i read somewhere of a WL surgeon in Baltimore.  Good luck, fingers crossed!

 Thanks!!!  Dr. Schweitzer at Hopkins used to do the DS but doesn't anymore. There is a surgeon at Hopkins that lists teDS in surgeries he performs but he isn't on the vetted list. it would be nice to stay in the same city but one hour isnt that far to travel. 

That's excellent news!

--gina

Sure is!!! Thanks Gina! I see Dr. Elariny was your surgeon. Would you care to share your experience with him and his affiliated hospital and staff? Thanks again!

I'm headed out the door to work this morning but I'll give you my thoughts this afternoon when I get home. Have a good one!

 I'll look forward to it!  Have a good day. 

Switch,  what great news!  Sounds like you're on the right path.  :o)

 Thanks JG!  Now I have to think about the timing of everything - I don't get FMLA until after 1 yr of employment and the same goes for short-term disability.  I'm fairly confident that because I have on the young end of the spectrum and my comorbidities are high cholesterol and OSA I would likely do well with the surgery and recovery one certainly never knows!  Prepare for the worst and hope for the best is my motto!