Centers of Excellence

Is the insurance approval process influenced by having a procedure done at a Center of Excellence?

It truly depends on your insurance carrier. My insurance will only approve at a COE ... Others, it doesn't matter. CHeck with your carrier. They will be able to tell you if they require that the procedure be done at a COE.

All the best,

Barb

OH good point.

BCBS + COE = quick approval

Ahhh...I wondered about that. Do you know if the are looking for COE period or a BCBS COE? I looked on the website and got a list of providers. It looks like I might have to do some driving.

A COE is designated by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons ... It is not a designation that the insurance company bestows ... it's one that they recognize ... and appreciate.

Statistically, you are going to far much better at a COE than you will at a program that is not a COE. That is not to say that you can't get an excellent result with a program that is not a COE ... it's just that statistically, COE's have better surgical and post-surgical complication and mortality rates ... that's why the insurance companies love 'em!

If you find a COE and a Dr. that you are confident and happy with, the drive is well worth it. My Dr. is over 4 1/2 hours away but I wouldn't trade him for anyone closer, the drive is worth it tenfold.  Nancy

I have BCBS, and did NOT use a COE.  I received my approval in 1 day.

i think a BCBS COE is what BCBS likes, but they surely approve surgeries at non-COE's too. the COE certification just made me feel better, but i'm an elitist that way.

Hey Lori, I see you're in the Quay...I'm in Holly Springs!