Anyone with Blue Cross PPO

I am hoping someone has the same insurance as I do. Can you recommend a surgeon that's in our network. I wanted to have Dr Frantzides to perform surgery. However, do to his past dealings with others with this insurance. He wants his fee up frnt. (which is $12,000). Since he is out of network, insurance will only cover 60% of his fee. And I don't have his fee. Can anyone advise me? Thanks Brenda

Hi Brenda, I guess a lot depends on where you are located.  I had Dr. Paul Guske. He is part of the Kane Group who work out of Alexian Brothers and St. Alexius Hospitals (Elk Grove and Hoffman Estates).  I know that do accept BCBS PPO. Good luck!

I went to Dr Rosen at Lifeweigh Bariatrics in downers grove. I highly recommend them. I had BCBS PPO

Thanks, I guess I should have specified doctors in the city of Chicago.

Hi Brenda, I have to agree with both of the Chris's.  You need to find a doctor that works for you before you go with location only.  Why does it have to be Chicago only ?  Dr. Frantzides is in Skokie, not Chicago ? Good Luck!! Mary

I am just curious why you are saying that you would like to find a doctor just within Chicago. The only other one I can think of is the University of Chicago, I think it has a bariatric program. There might be a few other doctors that do surgery at other small hospitals but I would really be leary of going to that that kind of facility/doctor that only does WLS a couple of times a month. As a pre op I looked for a program that had well rounded pre op and PO care. A place that had a doctor that basically only did WLS and had other professionals at his/her service for follow up care. You need to find a doctor that is well versed in WLS, does the surgery routinely, will help you get approved with your insurance, diet help, exercise help, psychological help, support group that is relavant etc. Bariatric surgeons usually are members of www.asbs.org you can go on this site and search for a local doctor by I think state or zip code.  Finally, I would highly recommend that you expand your horizons and go to a facilty that might be a little of a drive for you. I would recommend Dr Jeffrey Rosen with LifeWeigh Bariatrics. His ad is in the lower left corner of the IL board page. Dr Rosen's practice is almost 100% bariatrics. If you would like to further your search you might want to try the Kane Center and their ad is in the top banner of this board. Come back and give us updates on your journey. We all would love to follow you and cheer you on to a healthier you. Christine

Hi Brenda - Congrats in taking the first steps to a healthier you.  I have to second what Christine B said.  Dr. Rosen w/ LifeWeigh Bariatrics is one of the best.  Not a big deal if you chose someone else but please make sure they have a strong support system.  Post op care is just as important as pre-op if not more important.  If they do not have aftercare, I would run like heck.

Good Luck and keep in touch! Christina

I have to agree with Chris and Christina.  I have Dr Rantis with the Kane Center and I know they take your ins as i have the same one.   Also please listen about the after care, my cousin had WLS 10 years ago and has pretty much gained all the weight back and she says it's because she didn't have the after care she needed.   Good luck!

Blue Cross has  "Blue Distinction Centers" listed by state  follow this link.        http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/bluedistinction/centers /bluedistinctionbariatric_090407_1.pdf For the best benefit you would need to access one of these centers.  I would try to stay in network if at all possible.  Unless you can afford the $12,000.  If you can go with who you feel most comfortable.   I have BC HMO, so I have to stay in network.   Hope this helped.  Kerri

I have BCBSIL PPO my surgeon is Dr Brian Lahmann  He is with Bariatric Minimally Invasive Surgery, and goes through Silver Cross in Joliet. They are also a member of the Blue Centers of Distinction. I have not had my surgery yet, but they do have a great program. Dr. Lahmann and Dr Joyce are very nice.