Good and bad news from my pre-op eval

I went for my evaluation at UofM yesterday with the nutritionist and program director. Based on my conversations with them and my physical, they both say I'm a perfect candidate. They said I would breeze through the nutritional meetings and psych evals. I thought I had my 12 months in with my PCP to satisfy MCare, but they say he didn't document 2 of my visits last fall as having discussed weight loss. They say they can't submit me to MCare until October or so. My doctor says he will write a letter stating that we ALWAYS discussed weight loss, diet, etc. but I don't know if MCare will accept it. I was hoping that I could charge right on through with the psych eval and pre-surgery diet to lose 15 pounds, but it looks like I have another 4 months or so to wait. That is really a bummer because I have gotten so excited about getting this done that I can hardly concentrate on other things right now. Angela

Angela although I don't have MCare ( I have Blue Cross Community Blue PPO) my doc wrote a letter that (in my profile dated 3/15/06) got me approved for surgery. Feel free to use any or all of it, after all it can't hurt to try to submit it! Best of luck and your day will be here before you know it! Jennifer 355/267/150

Jennifer, I have the same insurance as you... Did they require any additional documentation from your PCP besides the letter? My PCP is in support of my having WLS, but has cautioned me that he has written letters for several patients in the past that were still denied. Just trying to stay ahead of the game! Thanks, Maria

Maria, I did not need a single other thing for approval. Actually the ins company does NOT do pre-approval, but I got a copy showing the 32k for my surgery was paid! Hope that helps and good luck to you! Jennifer 355/268/150

Angela, I was just wondering if you are having your psych eval done through U of M and if you have it scheduled yet? I have my regular shrink through U of M and he told me the other day that the eval for the surgery needs to be done through nuero psych and it takes 2 - 3 months to get an appointment. He just submitted my referral for me today so I can get the ball rolling. Hurley won't submit for insurance until I have all my paperwork, all I am waiting on is the psych eval. If you do have your appointment for that, how long of a wait did you have for your appointment? I am just curious since I am doing part of my stuff through them. Thanks. Shawn M.

Shawn, I don't have it scheduled yet. I think that they are going to wait until I am closer to a surgery date. UofM's Bariatric program has their own psychiatrist. Since it seems everything and everyone in their bariatric program is dedicated to that program, I am hoping that he doesn't have such a long wait. Angela

I hope you are able to get it done fairly quick too. I didn't realize they had it all in one area like that. Hopefully they will call me today or tomorrow for the appointment. Good Luck to you! Shawn M.