My Doctor Finally Agreed Recommend (in writing) surgery!!!

What happens now?  My doctor finally agreed to write a letter recommending the surgery, which he will forward to the director at our medical network for "approval?"  Is there anything else that I can be doing right now?  I am really excited right now!!!  I do realize it is just a small beginning, but right now I need to grab and hold onto any motivation I can find.  This is very positive to me!!!

You need to contact your insurance company and ask them if it is a covered benefit and what you will need to do to be approved. There are many of us on this board that have Dr Jeffrey Rosen and we all would highly recommend him to you. His ad is in the lower left corner of this page, LifeWeigh Bariatrics. There are also other people on this board that can recommend a doctor to you and I am sure that they will pop in and give you their 2 cents as I have done. Chris

Thanks ChristineB!  I have already contacted my insurance company (BC/BS-HMO) and the procedures are covered.  I do, however, have to use a surgeon within my network, and can only see one after my referral has been approved by my medical network.  This is all, of course, contingent on my physician recommending the surgery to begin with--this step I have completed. How can I find out if Dr. Rosen is part of my network?

Hi there - Congrats on taking the first steps to a healthier you.  I have to second what Chris has said.  Talk to your insurance company then find yourself a surgeon.  Dr. Rosen, LifeWeigh Bariatrics is also my surgeon and you could not ask for a better team of experts to cheer you along in your journey.  They are in it for the long haul.. not just a quick buck with no support system.

Drop in on the IL board, we have a daily roll call and would love to hear what's going on w/ you. Take Care, Christina

Thanks for your support!  I have replied to ChristineB, explaining that I have BC/BS-HMO.  I have contacted my insurance company and the procedure is covered, as long as my doctor (PCP) recommends it, and my medical network director approves it...That is the stage I find myself at now...

Good for you!  This is an important first step.  Having your doctor's support will be very helpful along the journey. Like Christine said, check with your insurance plan to make sure that the surgery you are interested in is in fact covered.  Also what if any requirements they may have in order for you to be approved for surgery. Which surgeon have you chosen? Wishing you good luck and that everything falls into place in a timely manner.

I am waiting to see which surgeon I am referred to by my primary care physician (PCP), as I am an HMO patient.  I do believe that I have to await a referral from my primary, and that whomever the surgeon ends up being, he/she would have to be part of my medical network (site)?

I know this is a little late,  I also have a BC HMO thru the Fed Gov't.  We can self refer on my plan.  Just do what your PCP says.   You might also want to check the following link: http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/bluedistinction/centers/blue distinctionbariatric_090407_1.pdf It is for the Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric.  You would look it up by state, so you will see where in your area you can go.   My info was just sent to ins yesterday.  I hate waiting. Good Luck! Kerri