fear time may run out

I work for Wilson county and have state BCBS of NC. Every year in June or July they make changes to the state plan, and they take effect every August. I just started my journey am waiting for the mail to see when all my pre op appts are scheduled. Shannon Hinkle PA told me a good estimate for my surgery date would be in Sept. which is after the changes should take effect. I read somewhere on here that other states (VA) being one is strongly considering not covering WLS as a means of cutting cost in these economic downtimes. I am praying this don't happen to me. Anyone have any advice. Anyone have surgery less than 6 mos. after getting started?

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

It depends on the insurance requirements and the program you are with. I know that some programs have longer lead times than others. Dr. Enochs in Raleigh seems to be able to get people through their program fairly quickly.

Barb

I will be having my Surgery on April 3rd. My first appointment with Dr. Enochs was on Feb 3rd.  All my preop appts where the next week . I also had a EGD.  I BCBS of NC and was approved within two days. This all took place within 2 weeks time.  My surgery  could have been in March but I choose the date in April.  I have worked with Dr Enochs in the OR and that was the #1 reason I  am having him do my surgery. He is  Great.

I saw your post and read where you have worked in the OR with Dr. Enochs and I thought WOW how cool is that to pick your surgeon who you have worked with.
Best of luck to you on the most amazing journey of a lifetime.
                                               Annie

Go to doctor Roc Bauman in Concord, NC - they probably can get you in or John Pirrello in Matthews, both are excellent.

I had my preop and everything was approved in 3 weeks.  I waited until the next year for surgery because i didn't wnat to do it during the holidays,

Hi Michelle,
I am in the same "boat"...I am on my husband's insurance and he works for the state also.  I have already had all my testing done and waiting for a call back from the doc's office for my "Decision appointment" date & time.  They will then submit my stuff to insurance for approval and then I'll have to go back for my pre-op appointment....and I am hoping that time don't run out for me either.....I hope everything works out for you and let me know how things go....Amy

Hi Amy,
I got my letter in the mail today with all my pre op appts on it. All my appts are in April except pulmonary that is May 11. Then I got to have a ultrasound and endoscopy on the same day (no date set for that yet)  but hopefully that won't be scheduled too far out. Then my surgeon visit, and hopefully it won't be long. Looks like it may be possible after all to beat  the deadline....but it's gonna be pushing it. I'm getting excited. Keep me posted on your progress also.

Michelle

Michelle,

Do you work for the school system??  I have Blue Cross Blue Shields of NC and work for a County DSS. We do not have state BCBS of NC. The County does our insurance.

Tamara