? for anyone that works for the state and is BCBS?

I had my surgery in 2006 and at that time you had to jump through a bunch of hoops including a percentage of weight loss and only could use a center of excellence. Is BCBS still having you do all the same hoops? I have heard that not only the RNY is covered but the lap band is also...true or not? Is Dr. Patterson's the only center of excellence that is allowed or are there others in Oregon now? And what is the turn around time when you make your first appointment to the time of surgery? In 2006 my time was about 6 months. Someone I know says they are going to have the surgery in June but I don't think they have even started the process so I am very curious.

OHSU is also a COE. I believe that, if RNY is covered so is lap band. At least that was the case with my insurance (Regence BC/BS of Pennsylvania). Turn around time? I think its still running almost 6 months or so unless you're self-pay. I think they're swamped. Lori

My husband works for the State of Oregon and his plan covers the surgery. And yes it is true that they prefer the center of excellence rating. I will be having the Lap Band and the insurance still requires that I lose the 5% which is 25 lbs for me. As for the turnaround. I went to the initial meeting open to the public in February and hope to have the surgery in June. The main requirement is the 5% loss. I had to jump through all of hoops too. Hope this helps. Sheryl

Are there any other centers of excellence in Oregon that BCBS will accept or is it still the one in Portland only?

Michelle, The State's BCBS's COE is Legacy in Portland, OHSU in Portland, and a site in Bend. Bil

I work for the state and had RNY in December. Dr. Read (Samaritan Bariatric) is a COE I'm pretty sure. I have Samaritan Select though, not BCBS so the requirements could be a bit different. I'm probably not much help . Vicki