Independence Blue Cross PPO

Good afternoon! Has anyone here been approved for VSG through Independence Blue Cross (PPO Philadelphia)?
It is listed as experimental/investigational. RNY, DS, VBG and LapBand are all covered...but I am really hoping for VSG.

I posted this question in November and IBX recently released a new position statement. In case anyone else was interested in the info, I've copied and pasted below....

 

Sleeve Gastrectomy Posted: 01/04/2010
Effective January 1, 2010, for Commercial Products as a risk reduction strategy for individuals who are morbidly obese, consideration for sleeve gastrectomy surgery (laparoscopic or open) will be given to individuals who are 18 years of age or older when all of the following criteria are met: The individual has a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 50 It is anticipated that the individual will achieve weight loss and a decrease in comorbidities as a result of the first-stage procedure (sleeve gastrectomy) that allows for the performance of a second-stage bariatric surgery procedure (eg, duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y) The planned second-stage bariatric surgery procedure (eg, duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y) is to occur within 24 months following the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. The individual has documentation of a failed history of medical weight loss The individual is not currently pregnant and/or breast feeding and has agreed to avoid pregnancy for at least one year postoperatively The individual has participated in preoperative care that includes all of the components noted below. Preoperative surgical care can be directed and provided by the member's professional provider or through a multi-disciplinary surgical preparatory regimen, which is typically based at facilities that are either certified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center (program standards and requirements effective February 15, 2006) or by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) (program standards and requirements effective February 15, 2006): A thorough medical history and physical examination Consultation and instruction by a professional provider on low calorie diets and an exercise program based on the individual's capability An evaluation by a licensed mental professional provider that specifically evaluates: any mental health or substance abuse condition; the emotional readiness and ability of the individual to make and sustain lifestyle changes; and the adequacy of their support system Sleeve gastrectomy for adolescents is considered experimental/investigational and, therefore, not covered becausethe safety and/orefficacy of this service cannot be established by review of the available published peer-reviewed literature. Sleeve gastrectomy for Medicare Advantage Products, per original Medicare, is considered experimental/investigational. To bill for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedures report: 43775: Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (ie, sleeve gastrectomy) To bill for an open sleeve gastrectomy procedure report: 43999: Unlisted procedure, stomach