Denied for the 1st time but... still hopeful? BCBS

I have sent what was written and required on BCBS of TX specifically UT Select's list.  And now they want more.  Things not on their list like proof of an exercise program like curves and for me to meet with a diet person. My doc's office said to send what I had such as I paid for a membership to a gym for 3 yrs, this dosn't show I went just that I paid $250 - $350 a year to have the option.  And then to set up an appointment with a dietition, again I'm not sure how me meeting right now and then re-submitting will help. Its frustrating as I felt I'd done their list of thing, you can look at my journal entries for specifics. I'm still in a positive mood just hating insurance companies for making you just through hoops to do this kinda thing.

I was wondering...Ihave aetna and they require me to see a Dr 3 to 6 months for supervised diet. I was told to take my exercise records to her and have them discussed and sighned off on. Wouldn't that suffice? I also go to YMCA to exercise and They have a key chain swipy thing to show I have checked in..Did you do anything like that.. I can then get that printed out. Just a suggestion, KIM

I understand how you feel.  I know it is frustrating but dont give up.  I have called and called BCBS to get a "list" of what I need and its always the same thing... Codes, reasons, ect. but nothing about a supervised diet. My surgeon said they ALWAYS do that, that the customer service reps wont tell you and I thought to heck with that so I called them again and again and again until I finally got some answers.  Not the ones I wanted, but still some closer on the matter. The lady said that the pre-approval department keeps that information to themselves, and upon sumitting the information that we have, they can then review it and tell you if they need more or not, which they almost always do if you have not submitted your diet and 5 year weight history.  I said ok can I talke to someone in this pre-approval office and they said no, we dont have their phone numbers, nobody does.  I said well how can I get in writing what I specificallly need to do, and she said well you can try to write them a letter, but other than that, there is no option. So my surgeon said that we will have ALL this information done before we submit, which is why I am doing the 6 month diet without them denying me first for this very reason. Anyhow I know this doesnt help but hopefully gives you some assurance that you are not alone. How long ago did you pay for the gym membership?  And did you see a trainer or nutrishionist while you were there?

I always think it would cost much less for the companies to approve everyone than to spend HOURS on paperwork, phone calls, appeals ect. Take care. Kristi

Did you have any other documented medical conditions besides high blood pressure? Have you been hospitalized for medical conditions? I am curious because I have the same insurance I have submitted my information to the surgeon's office today.

No just the high blood pressure.  I gave them a BMI of 40 a 5 yr history of 35 or more.  Thats the gist.  Keep me informed on how it goes for you.  They had an anwser in 2 days so it should be pretty fast.