from COOKEVILLE--new here-glad I found this place

Hello everyone. I;m new here. I;m just at the beggining of the WL journey. I have gone to the orientation at Vanderbilt(1/10) Had a appt with the clinic on 1/16---all is a "go"... all I need to get is my medical records...which my PCP should be sending... and I was able to get a physc. eval the same day as my appt. at the clinic. All my paper work should be done and completed by next week... then they send it to the insurance co. We have BLUECROSS/BLUE SHEILE... BASIC/federal program. IS there anyone on here that has this insurance? would like to hear stories... if Im denied... then I have 5 months to see my PCP/ on pins and needles...the waiting game.. I will look/ and read...these boards.. I may have lots of questions MamaRia

Welcome MamaRia! Congratulations on beginning your journey. I've heard great things with the Vandy program. You're in capable hands. As far as the insurance, I'm not too familar with it. I have BCBS for state employees. I'm a participant in the waiting game as well. My insurance requires "conservative management of a weight loss program within the last two consecutive years" so I did a six month dr. supervised diet before anything. I went to seminars both at Vandy and Centennial Medical Center and both recommended making sure that there is a dr. supervised diet before applying. So many people get denied b/c lack of that requirement. Just check your insurance company, call the customer service number on the back of your card. I called BCBS and they were super nice at explaining things I needed. I double checked to make sure there definitely were no exclusions with my plan. I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. I have completely submerged myself in this whole process...almost to an obsessive point! Good luck and keep us posted! April

Welcome MW! That is great that you were able to get all of your paperwork and tests done so quickly so that you can get it submitted. I am also going through Vandy - but with a different insurance. Like April said, the biggest thing is to read about your policy. Or call your insurance to ask them about the surgery. You do not want to head down the "waiting" game road if the surgery is excluded from your plan. If it is excluded, there are not many options you have around it. Also, most do require that you have a 6 month dr supervised plan to approve it. I am in the middle of mine as well. As long as it is not excluded and you follow all of the procedure the insurance asks from you, you should be fine. Keep us updated on how your submission to the insurance goes and if you get approved. Misty

thanks for the replies ladies! I have read my policy hand book-- it does cover this surgery.I called, and asked- was told, as long as I met the requirement of weight and bmi and was over 18yr- then I would qualify.( I specifically asked if I needed a 6 month- dr supervised diet)and they said no.... though I keep "hearing" that most insurance DO assist on this... I guess- we shall see!! I haven't met the surgeon, though at my clinic visit, they told me-Dr. Torquati was a great surgeon and that I could meet him-( at a later date!) I will call the clinic next week- and I will see if all the proper "reports" have been submitted to them( so they can send info- to the insurance) thank you again for the welcomes and your responses-- MamaRia

Hi MamaRia; I had my surgery with Dr. Melvin at Vandy 2 weeks & 3 days ago. He is absolutely fantastic! My whole experience there has been great. I do not have BCBS, so I can't help you. I wish you the very best in your journey to becoming a looser. This is the best site in the world. Everyone has been so helpful with any questions I've had. Take care, Beth