Oxford Insurance?

Hi. Long time reader, first time poster. I would like to know whether people have had good or bad experiences with Oxford? Do they tend to cover GBS and if so, has anyone heard of any changes of policy coming in the new year. I am currently under Aetna and have heard good things about their approval process. I have been "patiently" going through their required 6 month Dr. supervised diet and my surgery is scheduled for Feb. 1. Now I find out that my company is probably switching to Oxford as of the new year because Aetna has raised their premiums. So my question is, should I try to keep my Aetna (there may be some flexibility at work or I could pay myself or something) or is Oxford just as good? Thanks, Lisa

Lisa, I have Oxford and My surgery is scheduled for 12/15 and they have been excellent with everything and are very helpful when you call them on the phone. there are a few different plans. I believe i have their "Liberty" plan.there is a co-pay of $30 per specialist vist which is a little high but like I said there have been no problems so far. I am going for my pre op testing this Saturday 12/4 . they also had no problem with okaying the CPAP machine and even when i asked for a different mask they ok'd it right away as well. They sent out a letter a few months ago that they are leaning more towards preventative medicine these days so bariatric Surgery is fast becoming a popular thing for them.the only thing is that I'm not sure very many Doctors accept Oxford or vice-versa. The first DR I went to didn't accept it but had been trying to get into the network for awhile.I hope I have helped, email me if you have any questions. JM

Both my sister and I had surgery with approval from Oxford's Freedom Plan. This was 2 and 2 1/2 years ago for us. They approve with very little difficulty. A friend with the same insurance had to do the 6 month supervised diet thing, but got approved, too. My sister initially was approved with Aetna, and was changed to Oxford while in the pre-op process. I don't knowe for sure, but I would think you will be ok with either one. Good luck!!

Sorry I didn't look at your profile before I posted. I would call Dr. Kurian's office and ask Almira or Catherine what they think about the insurance. They are terrific and very knowledgable about this stuff. Just be aware that this practice kinda waits for the approval to be sent in until the last minute. I was approved less than a week before surgery. Both she and Dr. Roslin have a very good relationship and approval rate with Oxford. As a matter of fact, e-mail Dr. Kurian and ask her opinion. She was terrific. She did my rny and Dr. Roslin did my gall bladder 16 months later. You are in the best hands possible!!

Hi Lisa, I had Oxford's Freedom plan through my husband's company and I used Dr. Letiman as a surgeon. I got all the necessary referrals, tests and documentation that Joan, Dr. Leitman's assistant said I needed. I was approved by Oxford for my surgery and didn't have to worry about a copay at all. In addition, I never received a bill at all from Lenox Hill Hospital. I would call Dr. Kurian's office and speak to the person that deals with the insurance companies and ask them how the companies are for being approved. Hope this helps, Jackie

Hi Lisa...I have oxford freedom and am told by my surgeon that they are one of the easiest insurance companys to deal with. they do not require anything but pre cert from your surgeon. good luck.....Beth

Thanks everybody for your replies. I'm feeling a bit more reassured. I'll do some more research but it sounds so far like Oxford is OK. Lisa

Hey Lisa, I just had surgery on August 24th and I have Oxford Freedom. I must say that the approval process with them was very easy. They dont require a six month supervise diet to my knowledge. My surgery was done by Dr. Kurian and the information was sent to Oxford on a friday and I was approved on Monday. So I think you will be in good hands with Oxford. Good Luck and I hope that I've been of some help to you. Take care Jonathan