BCBS

I know every plan is different, but I wanted to see how long the typical wait is for BCBS insurance.

I know I have to meet with a Nutritionist, Psychologist, have Chest X-Ray, Upper gastrointestinal series, endoscopy, appropriate pre-op labs and ECG. A complete physical examination by the attending surgeon and an assessment of thyroid levels is required.

How long is a typical surgery wait time?  

I have BCBS of Louisiana.  My approval process took less than a week, however I did call a few times to check the status and make sure the paperwork was getting where it needed.  My doctors office told me that the insurance company had 30 days to make a decision but rarely took that long.  As for getting a surgery date, my docs office submitted me for a tentative date on their schedule and my insurance company approved that date with the package.  Some of the date depends on your surgeons availability as well. I am 4 weeks out and moving in the right direction! Good Luck!

What about the process before approval is requested?

It took BCBS of Nebraska and BCBS of Iowa less than 30 days to review and approve the surgery.  Then it comes down to how soon your surgeon/hospital can get you scheduled.  

Hello... Is this a PPO or HMO insurance?

I am scheduled for 12/8 and my paperwork has been submitted about 5 days ago.  The pre work took me 6 months with BCBS.  6 monthly visits of supervised weight loss and nutrition support

I have Anthem BCBS. The prework process you described took exactly 3 months. The actual approval was less than a week. They just needed the surgeon's recommendation and the approval from the psychiatrist.

I have Blue Cross Blue shield High mark out of Pennsylvania. I was required to have 6 consecutive months of dr supervised weightloss, then a recommendation for Bariatric surgery. I got my approval after those requirements were met within a week. Most insurance companies will tell you it can be up to 30 days, but if you know your companies requirements and you have filled those, then usually it doesn't take too long.

I have BCBS of Michigan and becuase of my BMI I was immediately approved and did not have to do the 3 month or 6 month visits. Then my doctor required me to do 2 study group sessions, have a Psych eval, and then a physcial eval. All of that took me 3 months to complete. I had my consult in August of 2014 and my surgery is scheduled in November of 2014 so exactly 3 months.

However, if I had gone with a differnt center (further away from me) it would have only taken 1 month from consult to surgery so it really depends on how fast your insurance approves you and if you are required to do supervised weight loss visits. I hope everything goes well for you with your new journey.