BCBS of Michigan & Walter Lindstrom

I live in GA but my insurance BCBS is in MI. Michigan law does not require MI to give pre determination for Gastic Bypass - Evenn though I live in Ga which has a law that does require pre determination I am out of luck. Can anyone tell me if they have dealt with BCBS of MI and what your out come was? I have now contacted Walter Lindstrom in CA to see if he can help. I am hoping a lawyer will make the difference in what I find out. Can anyone tell me anything about him? Thanks so much. Totally Lost, Amy

Hi Amy, Just received your reply to my post. Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your ins. co. Are you trying to have the surgery in GA, and that's why MI BCBS are being so strict? If so, this may be impossible, but maybe you could consider having the procedure here in MI. Would that alleviate the problem of approval? Certainly wouldn't be as convenient, but may be a means to an end. But either way, I think you're on the right track with hiring a lawyer. Many have been successful doing this. Just an update here....I have recently heard that the required 3 yr. documentation of supervised weight loss will not be required until Jan 2004, so I'm hoping I can get my date before then. I have some documentation, but not that much. Good luck in your journey and DON'T QUIT! It's hard not to get disillusioned when these obsacles pop up, but we can't give up! Keep in touch! Theresa