BC/BS of Illinois PPO - recent experience?

HI I am trying to get info on recent experience w/BCBS PPO... it seems as though most ins. companies are getting so much more restrictive these days. I am nervous about calling my insurance company and alerting them that I am interested in WLS.. could they slap a restriction on my small employer's group plan if they learn I am seeking info on WLS?? (I feel paranoid writing that!) Should I contact the insurance co. before I go see the surgeon? thanks for any guidance.. Maureen

Hi, I have bc/bs hmo-I found out first what surgeon my insurance co. uses. I had called one place myself but they do not take my insurance. I was told that if you go to the surgeon without a referral,it may not be covered for that reason. I found out who my insurance covers by asking the lady who does referrals in my doctors office. She knows more than the docs do. my surgeons office is supposed to take care of all the insurance stuff,but my reg.doc office handled the pretest s. I dont know why you would want to call the insurance co.by yourself,maybe it would be better to let the docs handle that end. well,just suggestions hope it helps

When a person has a PPO as Maureen does they usually do not require a referral. Christine

Maureen, they cannot slap a restriction on the plan just by you requesting information. They have to tell you what your benefits are. You really should have the info in place before you go to the surgeon. I had my surgery (RNY) 18 months ago and have the exact same insurance as you but I did not have to have the 12 month doctor supervised diet trys. My husband had his RNY under my insurance also and did not need it either, he had is surgery with the Kane group near you, New Self Bariatrics. His surgery was Sept 30th last year. Do you have any idea what doctor you are going to go with? Many doctors offices will do the insurance paperwork for you. Let me know if I can help you any further, I am not too far away from you. Christine