Newbie on Board

Hello everyone, I've been "lurking" for a while now but this is my first post. I've been doing my research and trying to get everything together for BCBS of NJ insurance approval for the past several months. I've selected Dr. Sieloff in Tallahassee to perform my surgery, IF I get insurance approval. Is there anyone that has used him or had wls surgery at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center? I've attended Dr. Seiloff's informational seminar (excellent!), read 3 books ( + skimmed several more in the bookstore but didnt think they had enough new info to be worth buying) & everything I can find online about wls, so I feel like I'm pretty well informed about my options. I'm hoping to have a Lap RNY sometime before the end of the year. I've heard that BCBS of FL is no longer going to cover WLS under any conditions effective 1/1/05 and even though my insurance is BCBS of New Jersey, I don't want to run the risk of being denied. I've gotten letters of "Medical Necessity" and support from my PCP, Orthopedic surgeon (legs), and Pulmonolgist (sleep apenea). My Chiropractor and 2nd Orthopedic dr. (back) are also sending letters. My PCP included office visit notes for the past 2 years and weight loss notes for the past 5 years from my files. I had an EKG & stress test done in April, blood work in June, Thyroid panel & Psych Eval 2 weeks ago. I've turned over everything I've gotten to this point to Tracy in Dr. Sieloff's office to file the insurance request for me. She said she'll let me know when she submits everything to BCBS. Is there anything I've overlooked that would speed things along or help assure approval the first time around? I just want to be sure I've done all I can because I am NOT a patient gal by nature!! The more I read, especially from your posts, the more excited and enthusiastic I get. Thanks for the time & effort you all put into making this site a great resource! Vickie J. in Tallahassee

Welcome Vickie, Sounds like you have everything together. I am so glad you have joined us. Everyone on this site is really caring, thoughtful and informative. True angels every one of them. I 'll keep you in my prayers. And my finger crossed gail

Hi Vickie, Welcome to the Fl board. The greatest sound you'll ever hear is when you are told that you are approved. You did a thorough job getting things done so I would think that you hear soon from BC/BS. They approved me is less than a day once my dr.'s office faxed my chart notes which where not in initial pkg they rec'd. I will keep you in my prayers. Best of Luck Deanna

Vickie, Welcome to the board! These folks are full of info. and most helpful with any question. You sound like you are well on your way to an approval, you have lots of good stuff together! Good Luck and keep posting! MICHELLE

Welcome Vickie, Good Luck with your approval, it looks like you have everything you need. You can e-mail me anytime with your questions. Keep us posted with your progress. Christine -51

Welcome to the board! Sounds like you have done your leg work Only thing I would suggest, get the name and fax of insurance rep. Have info faxed to that person direct. This helped me to be approved in 2 days with BCBS. Good luck to you. Marla

Vickie, Sounds like you have all your ducks in a row so far. I hope you have a quick approval since you admit you aren't a patient gal. Good luck and keep us posted. Amy

welcome to the boards!!!!!! good luck on your approval and wl journey. Keep us posted. Tammy