Lapband Surgery, Has anyone had it done in Portsmouth, NH

Hi I am thinking about having the Lapband surgery done, I am in New Durham NH but have been doing a little research and not sure if I can get my PCP to go alone with this but am going to give it a whirl. I really need to lose weight and I am also unsure if my health insurance will cover this, I think maybe if it is medically needed they might. I have Anthem Blue, does anyone else have this insurance, I am really quite serious and would welcome any sound advice..thanks ever so much Donna Smith

Wayne was asking about LapBand as well. Please read those messages. Posted on 8/29/05 8:02 PM Anyone here have lapband done at ... posted by Wayne Haseltine. I would recommend calling the Customer Service phone number on the back of your ID card and ask them. At this time, it is still covered ( based on medical necessity and eligibility at time services are rendered ) for SOME groups. As each group goes through Open Enrollment, this appears to be a written contract exclusion on most policies. So, even if it's covered now, and even if you are half way through the program, and even if you get an approval letter, you are not "grandfathered" if your employer group renews their benefits and this is now listed as NOT COVERED, you would be responsible for the cost of the surgery after the renewal date. Find out WHEN your employer group's next Open Enrollment is !!! Hopes this helps. Kym from Weare

Donna, I have Anthem BC/BC PPO, and at my consult the surgeon told me that they would not cover the lap-band, but would cover the RNY. However, when I got my book from Anthem, there was a specific exclusion. When I called Anthem, they said that most of their policies no longer cover weight loss surgery, but some for employers with more than 50 employees do. Good luck, Carrie

Thanks Carrie. what is the RNY. Funny how they dont' cover the Lapband it is cheaper than alot of surgeries. and a necessity , rather than other health issues.thanks for the reply..Donna

The RNY is the gastric bypass. The lap-band is a newer procedure and is still considered experimental by some insurance companies. Frequently, insurance companies only update their policies every 5 years, so when they renew their policies, they may cover it. Good luck, Carrie

Donna, I have Blue Cross/Anthem/Matthew Thornton (Yes, thats one company LOL) They told me they would cover the lapband at the CMC if it was medically needed. I weight about 425, its needed! I think as long as you have attempted diets and weight loss in the past, and you can demostrate to your PCP that you have a clear mind about this, I cant see why they wouldnt go along with it. I think what most insurance companies worry about it people who have not thought this out all the way. For me, I have high blood pressure and high cholostrol and I cant seem to loose weight. Remember, no matter which surgery you get, its a life long thing. Ya, I love buffets, but I now realise If I want to live a long life, I need to control food and not let food control me. Have you attended a seminar yet? Make an appointment with your PCP and tell them you are going to attend. Remember, you can allways change PCPs at anytime. Good luck with your journey! God Speed to you!