help

i have bcbs/mi ppo. lapband is a standard procedure if all criteria is met. well i have met my criteria, but, my surgeon says because they do not give prior approval they want me to pay upfront and then let the insurance reimburse me. not an option for me. they said because they could the surgery, but what if the insurance then refused to pay. i understand where they are coming from, but my insurance is saying it is standard procedure. i need help. i need this surgery for my life

I do not know anything about BCBS of MI... but I've never heard of any insurance doing this before.  Sounds really risky and fishy to me because they could absolutely deny any payment later, stating that they never gave prior approval.  And what if you have complications later on? Then what?? Hmmmm... have you tried to contact someone in the BCBS claims department for more help?  Or, perhaps it's time to look into a different bariatric surgery provider, like Barix Clinics, who will work as your advocate and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. Good luck! Heather