BCBS FEP

I just talked to my surgeons office they have submitted my paperwork to BCBS, the waiting begins.

Hi!!  I am waiting for the psych evaluation to come back, then I'll send mine off to BCBS fep!!  Good Luck!!

My doctor's office submitted my paperwork to BCBS Fep and advised that all they were asking for was a letter of medical necessity which their office will compose and send them next week. Then I have to wait for the approval. I don't think they asked for anything else, but my doctor is requesting I have a psych appointment, meet with a pulmonologist, attend a support class and a couple of other things. Once the approval comes through, they will ask me to make the other necessary appointments and lastly, meet with my surgeon again. Wish me luck.

Good Luck !!  I'm rootin' for ya!  I had to have a pysch evaluation, a thyroid panel, and meet with a nutrionist.  I may have to do other tests if I get approved.  I'll keep you posted.

Hey Everyone!  I called BCBS Friday morning to see if they got my packet.  The rep. put me on hold and came back and told me they had received it on 8/7 and I am APPROVED!!  Later in the afternoon, the surgeon's office called and left a message.  Looks like I can get a date next week, maybe.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

Hello, I have BCBS FEP and I am having a hard time understanding the guidelines for lap band. First there was no supervised diet required now there may be, MY bmi is 37 so I would have to have comorbities attached so what co morbidities??? They make it so confusing. Any first hand information would be appreciated. Abby

I, too, have BCBS fep.  They were really easy to work with so far.  I didn't even contact them until 3 days after my packet was submitted and I was already approved!!  I didn't have to do any supervised diet.  I asked and was told that BCBS fep doesn't require one.  Some other BCBS plans DO require this, however, so it's easy to become confused.  Co-morbidities are conditions that losing weight will help control or eliminate.  I don't have any co-morbidities, but my understanding is that it includes things like diabeties (type 2), high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.  I've seen people list Gerd, acid reflux, and asthma also, but I'm not sure about those.  Good Luck and keep us posted!!

Hi Abby,    I have BCBS Teamsters MIchigan. My BMI was 38 when I was approved & had my lapband 4/23/07. I am 57 yrs old with history of Diabetes 2 & high cholesterol weighing 198 lbs. I am only 5'3, but because of my medical conditions, was approved with 70 lbs to loose.So those were my comorbities. However, now that I have lost 17 lbs, my BMI IS 33 & I am having trouble getting BCBS to pay for my fills which are $300 including office visit.. So check into this b-4 you have your surgery, since you have a low BMI. I had it thinking this is how I can finally loose the weight. And I don't regret it & feel wonderful. But if I have to start paying for these fills, the only thing getting lighter will be my wallet....   Pam-busdriver