I'm ready for the date..What's Next???????

OK so I have BC BS PPO, I met with the surgeon, have 6 months of documented weight loss, had a gall bladder ultrasound, met with the dietitian, and had a consult with the psych today. What else do I have to do to get a surgery date? Does anyone think I will possibly get banded before Christmas? I'm getting a little irritated now. I've done everything they have asked.

Did Dr. Singh's office give you a list of tests they require?  You'll have to have a pre-op physical, usually with your PCP, and that usually includes a chest x-ray and possibly some cardiac workup. 

Given that a lot of people take off this time of year, it may not be possible for you to get banded until after the first of the year - but what a way to start off the new year!!

You might want to give Dr. Singh's office a call to find out what other requirements his office may have, and then give BCBS a call, too.

Good luck!

Tia

Thanks. I had a physical a couple of days before going to Dr.Singh. It wasn't pre-op but she wrote a referral for me to hav the surfery. I just contacted his office and his assistant stated she would forward my info to BCBS for approval. I will get a date once I am approved.

Wishful thinking for Christmas huh? {{{{{BUMMER!!!}}}}}

A lot of tests have "expiration dates," which is why the pre-op physical usually occurs within a certain amount of time pre-op.

As far as being bummed, I do understand, but there are a lot of people who can't even get to the initial stages, and would be happy with ANY date!  We'll keep our fingers crossed for you that everything goes smoothly!

Tia

For me, all BCBS required was 6 months dictor supervised weight loss and a psych eval.  My surgeon, on the other hand, required a whole list of tests, including sleep studies, upper GI, pulmonary evaluations, a scan of my lower extremities.  I was given a whole list and just went down the check list.

My PCP advised that having surgery around the holiday probably wasn't the best choice.  The most experienced doctors and nurses are usually off for the holidays.  You may not get a date until after the first of the year. 

Call your doctor's office, and find out what you else you need to do in order to submit for approval.

My only advice is to keep following up with the doctor's office and insurance company! The squeaky mouse gets the cheese.  Good luck!

You should be good as far as insurance goes. I have BCBS PPO and my approval was back in a matter of days. Dr. Singh's office is very good about keeping you in the loop, but if you're unsure, give them a call. They're very nice people to work with. 

Thank You. I needed that