Questions

I have just started my journey. I have my first consultation with Dr. King on the 19th of this month. Are there any special questions that I need to ask? I also want to know if anyone has gotten approved through their secondary insurance. I have b/c b/s of MS ( they turn everyone down) and I have b/c b/s of AL through my husband and they didn't say no, they said I needed it to be medically necessary. I was wondering if I even have a shot of getting approved. Does anyone have any type of advice for me.

We work with the same issues. Generally BCBS AL will cover the procedure. They tell us that if the primary denies, to send the denial and then BCBS AL will determine at that time (of course, now you're looking at post surgery) if this is medically necessary for you. Just be cautious. Sometimes if you have a primary BCBS and secondary BCBS, but primary denies.... secondary BCBS may deny as well (even if the secondary BCBS company generally covers.) This is usually just the case if you have 2 different BCBS policies. I hope that wasn't confusing, and I hope that wasn't discouraging either. Adam

Adam, BCBS/AL did not flatly deny me. They took it into consideration and because my insurance does not cover weight loss surgery at all, they informed Becky's office that I had to prove that it was medically necessary. I am just starting the process for that. Does this sound like they are going to turn me down anyway. I spoke with Becky and she said not to worry at this time, but I still am.

Hey Bridgett, Are you working through the folks at Liv-Lite? I did and they took care of all of the insurance paperwork and hurdles for me. They scheduled all of my pre-op testing and expedited all of the letters from the various Drs. That would be Becky Wilson in Oxford, and she's great. I had mine done by Dr. Byars who is partners with King. Both of them are GREAT. Ask about his post-op follow-up procedure and any pre-op dieting. I know that they both have tremendous success rates, but just ask to re-assure yourself. Michael King is a very straightforward and gracious man. He will explain the risks in no uncertain terms. He's been doing RNY open and Laproscopically since most of the folks who are performing this surgery nowadays were in school. You are in great hands with him. Do check into Liv-Lite if you're not already with them. It eliminates all of those hassles and waits that most people seem to suffer through out here on this site. Best Wishes- Dx

Hey Bridget! Nice to meet you. I don't know anything about your insurances because I have Tricare - dh is retired military. BUT if neither will approve, there are other avenues to check out. SO do not be discouraged!! I will have my surgery in Jackson at UMC and they also take voc rehab, no insurance, and have an application for financial aid. So there is always another way to go, if we have to. Hopefully, tho, it will go as Adam says, and AL will approve. Adam won't steer you wrong! I promise!! Smoochies, Arlies PS keep us posted on your journey!