Kaiser Ins. and open RYN or switch to BLue Cross??

Why do they only do open RNY???  I keep going over this in my head.  Open enrollment for insurance is around Nov-Dec should I switch to Blue Cross Blue Shield so I can start their process and do lap band or lap RNY??  I am just worried... ughhh why.. I dont know what to do.. This is such a big scary process..   Any ideas??

I had Lap RhnY in 2003 covered by Blue Cross. I had no worries and all was covered. Do you have a nurse help line that could point you in the direction towards other patients that had it done and covered by your insurance? Once someone else has paved the way it makes things so much easier and not such a fight. I have GreatWest now through my husband's insurance and with doctor's letters and support they seem to cover most anything although their handbook says otherwise. Best wishes Liz

Given the choice, I'd take the lap procedure over open any day.  I have no idea why Kaiser only does open.  I know it has to be easier for the doctors, but it sure isn't easier on the patients.  Do your research, read as much as you can, and make the decision that is best for you.  I have Regence BCBS through the State of Oregon/UO, and they were great at covering the surgery.  I did have to dot all my i's and cross all my t's, but the process wasn't too bad.  Linda

Amy: I am not entirely sure why Kaiser only does the open RNY.  I had my surgery thru Kaiser almost a yr ago ( August 22, 2006)  It took me about 18 months to get thru their process and over and thru all their hoops.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  How long have you been with Kaiser?  just wondering.  My husband just got his new policy in the mail the other day, it did not cover plastics, but now they say they do, but it has to be medically necessary, so I am looking forward to this new part of my journey.

What is the difference between the lap band and the lap rny?

 

Peggy

Amy, I have Kaiser and I am getting ready to have my appointment with the surgeon. How long were you in the hospital? How long was it before you went back to work? Any longer term info you can give me would be appreciated. I go to the support groups, but the long term post ops don't seem to be there so we can never get any longer term info.  Thanks, Brenda

I'm with you...I have no clue why Kaiser only does the Open RNY.  It makes me VERY nervous!   Unfortunately I don't have any other options (as far as insurance goes), so I just have to deal with Kaiser's ways... Doing it their way is better than nothing at all though....   If I were you, I would opt out of Kaiser and switch to Blue Cross so you can get the Lap RNY.  That's just me though.   Kaiser has so many hoops to go thru that it takes at least a year anyways....   Gretchen

I would see what the screening process for BCBS is. I had an open RNY at Kaiser. I have an 8 inch verticle scar on my upper abd.  Suesan

I can only share my experience, but I talked to a lot of people in making the same decision.  We were with kaiser, and we transferred during open enrollment for what seemed like an easier process of approval.  My husband and I are both getting lapbands.  We went to the seminar right after we transferred, and we have moved a little slow with some parts, but in all, our surgery dates will be about 6 months out from the transfer to BCBS with Legacy.  Legacy has been good to work with. I understand Kaiser makes you go through their classes before they refer you, so it's likely to take the same amount of time no matter which you use, and lap is a safer option and less painful recovery.  I am not sure why Kaiser is still doing open. m.