BCBS OF TENNESSEE ????

Hi Everybody, I am new to the forum and to the process of WLS. I have a BMI of 57 and mutple co morbidities. I look foward to weight loss surgery. My question is has anyone had surgery approved through BCBS My policy has an exclusion for weight loss surgery, Is there any way around it or will I just be wasting my time by filing countless apeals. Thanks for any input anyone can share. Steve

Steve, If you have BCBST through your employer and there is a written exclusion for WLS, it probably means your employer did not purchase the rider to add it to the policy. You can try talking with your human resources department to see if there is any way around it if you can prove it is "medically necessary". I work in human resources and we have BCBST with a written exclusion for WLS. I hate to sound negative but I think your chances of winning an appeal are slim. I'd go for it anyway though. I'd love to have you prove me wrong and get approved for your surgery. FYI - I have BCBS of Minnesota through my husband's employer and they covered mine. This makes me feel doubly bad when I've had to tell people at my job that our insurance won't cover it for them. Good luck!!! I hope you win!!!!!!!!!!!! Susan

Hey Steve, My husband and I have had BCBS for 18 years, I tried twice to get them to pay. They refused, I had to finally take out a loan with capital one they covered everything. I really sucks that we have insurance that does not cover something so important. We are self employed and pay 11oo.oo a month. This is also the best decision I have ever made Im 8 weeks and have lost 46lbs. Good Luck I be glad to give you information. God Bless Sonni George

Dear Sooni. good morning can u tell me about your surgery and what kind you had? how did you like the hospital?/ how was the surgeon? what kind of diet did u go on and for how long before surgery? did u cheat? how did they prep you for surgery? one Big question ,, did the person who put needles in your veins know whay they were doing? my veins are all scarred up from inexperienced personnel and it is a very painful ,bad experience for me every time I am always black and blue all over now I hear they stick the needles in your neck and not in your arms for weight loss surgery, Is this true? any info about your care how long you stayed the prep before and aftercare would be so welcome ,,thank you Arianna.... PS ..I have my apointment on July 24, they moved me up because they found gallstones then i hope to have all my pre- op and surgery soon after

Hi Steve, I have BCBS of TN however there wasn't an exclusion in my policy. I had surgery with Centennial Medical Center's program www.cmcwls.com Everyone has been absolutely wonderful. As for trying to get approved, I suggest you follow Susan's advice. It wouldn't hurt to try. I see you're from springfield. There is a very small support group that meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Legacy Apartment's clubhouse if you're interested. Good luck to ya! April

Hubby and I have BCBS of TN, and had the surgeries approved with very little trouble. However, it wasn't an exclusion to our policy. Good luck and don't stop with the first NO. Appeal until there are no more appeals.

I wish you good luck but has all other have written if there is an exclusion you will go threw months and month on undue stress get a final answer of no... Bite the bullet and find a Doctor that you can afford and pay cash. I chose TJ Mexico, the only problem is that I have had a bad time finding a Doctor that will do my fills....