What counts as 6 months w/ pre-op diet?

Hi!  I am in the process of completing my 6 month supervised diet with my PCP.  I started on September 12; I have appointments scheduled through March of '07, but was wondering if I could send my info in after my Feb. appointment, since that will be 6 visits.  It is a couple weeks shy of 6 full months, though, and that's why I scheduled an extra appointment for March. I would like to get going on this surgery asap; would appreciate anybody's input!  I have a PPO Blue Cross insurance..Thanks! Shellzy

Keep the March appointment.  BCBS does not point this out in their policy, but they consider the first visit starting the supervised diet to be a consult and it does not count.  So, although its a 6-month diet, you really need 7 doctor visits.  Also make sure that your PCP is documenting what type of diet and exercise plan you are on at each visit.  They can't just weigh you, they must write a progress note at each visit.  I did my 6 months and got most of my preoperative testing out of the way during that time period and it really went faster than I thought it would.  I think you will do fine as long as the documentation is adequate.  I also have BCBS PPO and was approved 12 days after submitting my documentation.  They just want you to jump through their hoops first.   Read what you can on the boards.  Its  where I learned a great deal of information and tips and it really helped me to feel that I was doing everything needed to get approved without undue hassle.  Good luck with everything!!

Angela, thank you so much for the info!  I have been looking on the boards, and found a progress note form that I have given my PCP, so that all info is covered.  That's great that you got approved in 12 days!  I only have one more test to do, and finish my diet......thanks again!

Hi there, I am also working on my 6 months diet, and you said you had found a progress note form on the boards, would you please tell me where you found it?  thanks a bunch.