BCBSNC and bariatric surgeon of excellence?

Hey everyone. I have a question for anyone who can help. I have been given a surgery date (Nov. 5) for the gastric banding. During the paperwork for the surgery, I asked the representative about insurance clearance, where I was given the reply, "I would not be scheduling a surgery for you if you didn't have approval. We are a program of excellence so all I have to do is call in your information and they give me an approval code."

Of course, I was thrilled. Only, I called a few days later to make sure there was nothing else I needed to do when I was told that they have faxed in my information and are awaiting approval???? I called my insurance company and they confirmed this. So now, I guess there is a chance I may get denied?

Has anyone else has this happen? I am on pins and needles now just waiting for the approval I thought has already happened.

If they are a Center of Surgery of Excellence then you should not have any problems. I was approved the day that the paperwork was submitted. It was immediate. Got a letter in the mail a few days later.

Call Blue Cross and see if they have gotten info. If so ask if you have been approved. They will be able to tell you


Tamara

Thank you Tamara. I have called the insurance (twice, actually - I am a bit nervous, can you tell????) They still say it is "pending."

You know I will call them again tomorrow! Thank you for your help.

Mine was through them and even though my surgeon was not yet part of a COE I was approved within a couple of weeks. My surgeon and PCP is on their list of approved docs so I think that helped. Now the program I went through has acheived COE and they were in the process of qualifying at the time so don't worry if all your ducks are in a row you will be fine.

Thank you so much - that makes me feel better! I will keep you all updated.

Just to let you both know - I got approved! Thank you for your help!

Way to go! Just have to be persistent!

I have BCBS too. This happened to me too. I tried to get surgery this summer but couldn't get a surgery date until approval was done. I have approval now but had to wait for a good time for me and my family. I am now scheduled for RNY on Nov. 11. I start the pre-op diet next week. Oct. 28. I go for one of my last appointments on Monday. I am so ready. I have 2 hernias that have to be taken care of at the same time. One of them I have had repaired twice already. I pray this makes the difference. Dr. Pender is my dr. I have aggravated them to death trying to get this done this summer. It seems to be a hurry up and wait process. You will get approved. My theory is they wouldn't put you through all of this if they didn't think you would be approved. They don't want to waste their time or money either.  I felt alot better when I got my approval letter in the mail. Add me to your friends list and keep me posted. Best of luck,
Danielle