Surgery at UVA

 

I recently called Anthem BCBS and was told my policy would cover WLS, but only 50% or $15,000. I called UVA to get information and also found out I may qualify for assistance through their financial dept. I am on the list for the Seminar. My question is this... has anyone else been through this process? How long after the seminar does it take to get the process started? I explained to the person that set me up for the seminar that Anthem said they only pay half and she said they always say that but pay the entire thing. I am confused what happens if they only pay half, will they bill the rest and I can make a payment plan or do the require it up front before I can get the surgery? I was told the Financial assistance could possibly help but has anyone experienced this before? Do they really make make payment arrangements for the difference and will it slow the process down?

 

 

Please Help!!! Any info would be helpful... I am new to this and would really like some advice how to handle the process

Thanks :) I am brand new to this and any information  would be helpful

I wanted to say hi & welcome.  I can't answer your questions directly but do advice to get as much info as you can with each step of your journey.  Write it down, document who you spoke with, etc.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and the info. I am praying things work out and I can  proceed.

Welcome and congratulations for wanting to take control of your life :)

I had my surgery at UVA with Dr. Schirmer as well.   Please call and ask to speak to Mike Miller, Dr. Schirmer's insurance specialist.  He is wonderful and will answer all of your questions honestly and leave you with hope.   

My whole process including seminar, tests etc. took six months from start to day of surgery.

Hope this helps you.

Thank you, I am looking forward the seminar and hopefully going forward with the process. I am nervous that my insurance company only pays half.  I spoke with a very nice lady when I called the first time and she made me feel like this will not be as stressful as I thought. I am hoping to get in the Oct seminar but am currently scheduled for Nov. I am worried my company will change companies before I can finish the process. Do you think I can have everything done in a shorter time than the six months or does it usually take that long? Do you know if they actually make payment plans for any left over balance or do they require pay in full up front?

Thanks for your help. I feel like hopefully I am headed in the right direction and things will work out. I would love to take control of my weight and life again. I have let my weight control my life lately. I am ready to change.

I just wanted to say hello.  I used to live in Lynchburg but am now in Amherst. Don't see many on her from Lynchburg.

I was looking on here and did not see anyone from Lynchburg. Nice to know I am not the only one :)

I had my surgery at UVA with Dr. Schirmer. He and his staff are wonderful. I believe it took me approx 4-5 months from the day of the seminar until the day of my surgery. The insurance specialist (Mr. Miller) will be able to help you. My insurance (cigna) made me jump through hoops prior to approval.
Good luck!!!
Cath

Well in July I was told I was going to die, Dr Schirmer was my Dr as well and  I was in to see him and  working on the hoops between there and  had my surgery scheduled on Oct 31st due to a cancelation. You really should call Mike Miller and  express ur concerns an let them know you need to get the ball rolling and if they could move quicker because of your insurance issues u would appriciate that. As far as the finacial end of it. if you go on there sight UVA health there is a number foe finacial aid and you can call or download the application for  assistance in paying or get on the sliding scale depending on your income and how much the insurance pays. But talk w/ Mike first. Welcome and good luck....