called a surgeon in Moline Il. need some info on insurance

Hi everyone I am wanting some answers about my insurance company.I have BC/BS welmark.Has anyone gotten approved by them since May of this year.The nurse told me that it takes at least a six month medical supervised diet before they will approve.I hope not I don't want to wait that long.Please help me if you can Thanks, Bobbie

I had 2 years of Weigh****chers so they counted that towards the medically supervised diet, but I also did 6 months with the University of Iowa as well. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Alliance Select, I had no problems with approval, they were pretty good about it. No hassles at all, so I think they are awesome about it. At Trinity, you do need have to be on a diet prior to surgery like U of I. The only big issue I had with Trinity is that they ONLY offer open surgery, I want lap and will have that done on Oct. 5th. Tamara

I work for Wellmark, and just plan on once your info is sent in that it does take about 2 weeks to get the approval...soemtimes it can be sooner. But generally it's about 2 weeks, and it depends on what plan you have as to whether or not we will accept Weigh****chers and other non-doctor supervised diets as your 6 months of medical supervised diets. Some plans accept "on your own diets" other HAVE to be supervised by a doctor/dietician ..good luck to you!

Bobbie, Hi - I don't know anything about Trinity, but wanted to share my experience with the Dr. Christophersen at the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery. I had surgery there last December and it has been a wonderful journey. I don't know about the follow-up at Trinity, but the follow-up at Genesis is very thorough. I have my nine month appointment coming up next week and will see the surgeon and dietician. I also continue to see the psychologist that works with the program. I think that the first step of researching programs is so very important. If you want more info, please let me know. Whatever your decision, know that we are here for you! Good luck with your journey, God bless, Andrea