BC/BS Federal

Donna we are almost on the same time line - I had VSG July 6, 2010 and now want to get the DS. Beating myself in the head for not doing DS complete the first time. Who is your surgeon? Travis in Dr. Stewarts office is one who passed on the 'uncontrolled' bad news - but hoping that is not correct and you give me hope!

Thanks to everyone *****plied - you've got me started researching again - and I've also read my BC/BS 2012 benefits - there are more hoops to jump through since it's a VSG wanting a DS. But I'm gonna keep trying to get more information from the doctor's office. It's difficult since Travis in Dr. Stewart's Dallas office is the one giving me the news about uncontrolled comorbids and this is over the phone only - I can't seem to get anyone from Dr. Stewarts office to correspond with me, even by email - open to suggestions. I'm going to pull all my records from VSG here and my PCP will try to figure out for myself if I meet requirements. But you guys have really given me hope.

Danni by lightweight do you mean under 40 BMI?

Donna - you are also DS from VSG and had to appeal - how many times? Are you 40 BMI or 35+? Did you have to document failed VSG while following all guidelines post VSG? I've followed but still did not help me lose a lot. Also saw where you are in Texas, any chance you used Dr. Stewart?

So glad I found this forum ... you guys are the BEST!! 

I would have to say that FEPBlue does not follow state guidelines. I am stationed abroad and from N. VA. I do not have to meet VA BCBS requirements; however, I do have to meet the FEPBLUE requirements. The only difference is since we live abroad I do not have to have prior approval; however, I am submitting for it anyway. My situation is slightly different and I will submit all the paperwork through BCBS directly.

For those who had surgery this year, what was your turn around time for the approval process?

I lived in one state and had my surgery in another and BCBS (state I lived in) was the one who handled it all.