insurance coverage/process

Hi all


Anyone has Empire BC/BS (ppo) and if so how long is the process. I called them and they werent all that helpful. But wanted to know what are the guidelines etc. Other than the BMI, what else do they require, and once you do all the test how long after is the approval? 

 I had BCBS HMO when I had my band done... I had to do...

Initial Consult
Psychologist Clearance 
Nutritionist Clearance
Cardio Clearance whi*****luded a nuclear stress test
Pulmonary Clearance whi*****ludes a sleep study and chest X ray
Blood Work
Endoscopy
Some doctors also require an abdominal and leg scan to check for clots

Once I did all that (took me two weeks) I got my approval within days!

WOw that was fast.... thanks I am lookiin forward to this new life that I am about to embark! 

I would say if you are having trouble getting info from Empire, maybe try to talk to someone who works in the bariatric office you are going to and maybe pick their brain a little bit of what the usual requirement is that they see.  It will probably very case to case based on BMI and weight.  The one thing I do know is Empire is raising their guidelines.

Good luck in your endevour!