New and progress is being made!

Hi Everyone, I'm just starting out on this long journey. I live in the Upper peninsula of Michigan and I have chosen Dr Cindy Geocaris to do my surgery. Anyone else have her?I'd love to hear your stories and updates. Today was my appt with my family doctor, she seemed to agree with my decision for wls and she is going to write a referral letter and send it to Dr. Geocaris. I have a July 7 appt with Tamra Brown for my first consult and also a appt with the dietitian that day. Next week I have a sleep study and Psychiatrist Evaluation. I am pretty excited about the progress being made and can't wait to have the surgery! I am a little confused as to who sends in the info to the insurance for approval? Is it me or the doctor or what and when does that get done? I have BCBS of michigan. Thanks for all the support, you guys are the greatest. Best wishes, Sue

Hi Sue! Welcome! I'm new to this as well and my best suggestion is to call you insurance company and ask what they want for the pre authorization. Mostly likely your doctor's office will do it, however, don't rely on them. If this is what you want then you should follow through with the insurance and keep a close tie on your doctors. For instance, I was ordered a pulse oximetry test prior to my surgery and I called my HMO and they want to pre auth it. So I called the doctors office and told them they need to send the letter of medical necessity and relevant office notes to the HMO for approval of this test. They advised me that they didn't know that they needed to do this, that's why I am keeping up with whatever my HMO needs. If they say jump, I jump...just as long as it is approved. Stay on your toes and don't depend on anyone but yourself if you really want this. If you have a question, call your insurance, that is what they are there for. Keep up the good work! Shawna

Hi Shawna, That sounds like a good idea. I think I will call my insurance company on Monday and find out what kind of coverage I actually have. Thanks for you support! Sue

I am 3 weeks post-op. Tamara sent in all the insurance info for me. I have BcBs Federal. I had no problem with approval but it took about 2 weeks. I wish you the best. I had no problems at all.

Hi Lynn, Thanks for the info. Good luck to you on your journey I can't wait to meet with Tamra. I have my sleep study tomorrow night. Dr. Kemmerling is having a seminar in my town on Friday night. I'll probably attend that just to see what it's all about. Sue