blood tests

What exactly are they testing for when they give you pre Lap-Band blood work? And do you only have one set of tests or are there another just before surgery? Thanks!

Hi Grace I am not sure what they are testing for, I have not had my tests done yet since I am still waiting on Insurance approval from BCBS, have you already been approved? because I thought that Dr. Horgans office only does testing withing 2 weeks of your surgery? Nicki

I'm only going for my consultation so far. Some people have said that their consultation appointment included blood tests and the shrink. I have BCBS of IL HMO and they claim that I have the coverage at 100% as long as my medical group approves it. So far my medical group has been cool so I haven't yet come up against any hurdles. But I know it can't possibly be this smooth sailing the whole journey so we will see.

Hi Grace, when I went for my consultation I did not have any test done, I just met with the dietician and got weighed, and met with Dr. Horgan and he decided I would be a good candidate, so I don't think you have to worry about tests yet, I am not sure what you mean by your medical group approving it, maybe it is because you are hmo and I am PPO. HHHMMM. sorry to be grilling you, I am just trying so hard to get approval and any info will help.thanks Nicki

No your not grilling me, I like to feel helpful When you have an HMO you have to choose a Medical Group and from that Medical Group you choose a PCP. All of your care HAS to be done within the Medical Group to be covered and if you need something that they don't do (like Lap-Band) then you have to get a referral to see someone else. When I inquired about the surgery they told me of course that they didn't do that. So I had to get a referral. My Medical Group always sends people to U fo I and thats how I went to Dr. Horgan. I went to the info session and then my Medical Group gave me a referral for a consultation. Now everytime I need to see Dr. Horgan I will need a referral. But that was probably more than you needed to know considering you have a PPO. I don't even know what that is! So now you tell me!

Nicole- I forgot to ask what was your first denial based on?

Whoops, one more thing. Look over on the left hand side of your screen and click "Insurers" They are arranged alphabetically even though the first couple are screwy. I found out some stuff about my own insurance company. You should check it out.

Not sure what it means....but this is what tests I was ordered to have- PT/PTT, TSH, CMP.....now I just have to find out what they stand for! Amanda

Not nearly as hard as I thought! Here it is PT/PTT- prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time TSH- thyroid stimulating hormone CMP- Complete metabolic profile

Alright, I'll admit it, I have WAY too much time on my hands.... PT/PTT- prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test can be used to screen for bleeding abnormalities. Another blood clotting test, called prothrombin time (PT), measures several other clotting factors. Prothrombin time is often measured along with partial thromboplastin time to evaluate bleeding abnormalities. These two tests together screen for problems with the normal blood clotting process and can detect most blood clotting problems caused by abnormal amounts of coagulation factors. TSH- thyroid stimulating hormone This blood test measures how well your thyroid gland is working. The gland may be underactive or overactive. The test measures your body's response to the thyroid hormone level in your blood. CMP- Complete metabolic profile tests: glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, heart, liver, kidney enzymes, electrolytes, and much more. I sure hope I've helped at least a little! Amanda