Blue Cross Blue Shield- Oregon Teamsters version- anybody have experience?

Can anybody tell me if they have had experience with BCBS Teamsters? I'd like to know how fast or slow approvals are. If you have this experience, can you tell me your BMI and requirements you might have had to meet?  Thanks!  Me 252lbs BMI- 42.9 Pre-diabetes, fibromyalgia, back and knee pain, hypertension

My advice is to go straight to the "horses mouth". That way there is no guess work and you will have something in writing.

I am also with Blue Cross, and I called my insurance company directly.  They sent me a packet with all the necessary information.  It had my deductibles, my requirements etc.  It took about 2 weeks for them to get the information together, but at least I knew what was covered and what wasn't.

Do know that probably isn't the answer you wanted, but it really is good advice.

Good luck in your weight loss journey!

Thank you. That's a good idea. I had all my appts at LOI over a year ago on another insurance, then it ran out and I was left with no surgery. I called Legacy Obesity Institute when I got this new insurance and they said I could just start where I left off- which was my surgery consult. So I'm hoping approval will be quick and easy, since this insurance didn't have to pay for all the other appointments.  Thanks for your advice.

I am having my surgery at Legacy too...scheduled for lapband on Dec 12.......................little over a month away.  

Hope it all works out for you!

teeleaves - I have the same BCBS insurance as the SIEU - branch of the teamsters.  I started with looking at the BCBS page and handbook -- got their requirements, then went to a couple of presentations.  I went to Oregon Bariatrics here in Eugene and then OHSU in Portland.  The Eugene group isn't a center of excellence, which insurance required, but OHSU is, as is Legacy.  I think you're on the right path.  Good luck to you! Linda

Yeah- I went there - but since the book was last updated in 2005- I was hoping for more updated info. So you didn't have any trouble with the fact that you have a fairly low  BMI (your progress bar said you were forty something - like me)?  That is my biggest concern. Thanks!! :)

No - I met all the requirements as they listed them.  My BMI was over 40 and I had pre-diabetes and sleep apnea.  After weighing in at the surgeon's office, I had to lose 5% of my body weight to be scheduled for surgery.  I did it and all went ahead as planned.  I hope it goes as well for you. Linda

I have BCBS teamsters and got my second appeal denial letter yesterday.  I have been at this for 1 1/2 years.  I have five comorb. and have been seeing my dr. faithfuly for 12 months.  They have denied me based on not having 12 months consecutive weight management program.  They have thrown everything at me from my appointments being for "Other" things than weight management, such as treating my diabetes.  I have letters from my doctor stating I have keep food journals, exercies, and followed my ADA diet.  They still state that I have not demonstrated that I have follwed a structured eating program.  I even lost 20 pounds.  I don't know what else to do and feel like giving up.

Yikes- that is disheartening. but don't give up. It seems like nowadays it's hard to NOT get approved. What is your BMI?

40.2 and has been above 35 for over five years.