Need Information on Insurance

I was just wondering if anyone has had any trouble with getting approved with BlueCross Blue Sheild of Iowa? I am just getting started, I've been to the Surgeon twice, and although my Family MD has filled out the prior approval paper that he needs to fill out , the surgeons nurse said it would not get approved since the MD only put down I've been on diets for the last 9 yrs. Do the Ins. companys take into consideration that I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, joint pain and swelling to where I can't walk very far, hard time catching my breath when just walking, swelling in my legs and feet, hiatal hernia with aspiration? I'm feeling very discouraged because the nurse said I would have to be on a diet for another year . I'm feeling so bad I don't want to wait that long if there is any other possible way to get approved. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

This should help, I hope! Elizabeth (just scroll to the bottom and on to the other pages.) http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/insurers2.phtml?State=IA&Page=1

I also wrote my own letter including a copy of the meds I was on & the cost. Over $1100 a month to keep me alive. KMart was great about giving me the print out. Just another idea for you. Good Luck Carolyn

Paul, Monday morning, call your insurance company and ask them yourself if WLS is covered. Ask them specifically what documentation in needed for the approval process and don't forget to get the name of the person you speak with. You will drive yourself crazy wondering if you don't take a proactive stance in this. Then, call the surgeons office and let them know what you found out, so you, and they, can make sure things are done right the first time.

Each insurance company is different in what they require. Some are approved in one week. It took me three months. They will not approve you just to loose weight but usually will because of related health issues. You have to be at least 100 lbs. overweight and have two or more of these weight related health issues. You also have to have a recorded of failure with other methods. Your nurse seem to have said 10 years of failure. I had to only show two years of doctor suppervised effort. Go directly to the company yourself and see what they require and if they have a patient advocate who will help you or not. Good luck, John Attaway

John- Thanks for the info. We were wondering if you had to show that you had been weighed each month and documented. I fit all the other requirements except my MD did not have me come back each month, but every 3 months. How long ago were you approved? Thanks, Paul