Waiting For Approval

Hi, I am Ellen. This is my first post. I am hopefully getting all my paperwork turned in to my insurance tomorrow. I have BCBS of TN. I have had all the test mention on their requirement page & all the test my surgereon requested. I lost my 10% in 3 months. I guess it will all be in the hands of my insurance and God. I didn't have any problems except a lot of gallstones. I am 140 lbs. over weight. Do I have a chance of getting approved for that? Is fat enough? I do have bad heel spurs which my foot dr. wrote a referrel letter. Did any of you use Dr. Atul Madan fin Memphis or your surgery? Ellen

Hi Ellen, welcome to our board. I didn't have him, but someone else may have. I know several had Dr. Woodman in Memphis. If you are over 100 lbs, chances are your insurance will approve of it. That's not saying they will, but if have met all their requiredments and the Surgeons, I don't see there being a problem. May God travel with you on this journey, Kathy

Thanks Kathy & April, I hope I get approved and soon. The not knowing is torture. I want to dream of being thin and go in stores & imagine someday I can wear that. I am afraid it will be so depressing if I don't. I was a little discouraged when I read the replies on the insurancce for BCBS of TN. Most talked like it took several tries to get approved. A girl I met tha day of my first visit had her surgery this past Monday. I haven't heard from her. I am hoping all my forms get sent in tomorrow. I would love to have it in Dec. Have a great week-end, Ellen

Hi Ellen, It certainly sounds like you have all your ducks in a row in regards to getting approved for surgery. Though I'm not in the memphis area, I just wanted to wish you luck! April

With that amount of excess weight, your BMI is certainly over the 40 mark usually required for surgery. I'll be praying for a speedy approval. Never heard of the doctor, but I'm in Nashville. Good luck! Susan

Thanks Susan, My bmi was 46 the 1st day I met with Dr. Madan. I am so glad I found you all. I already feel like someone knows how I feel. Thanks to all of you for the quick & friendly responses. Ellen

Hi, Ellen. I'm Dennie in Nashville. Welcome to the board. I will also add my prayers for a quick approval. I'm behind you - I'm still getting information together and scheduling tests! Good luck for both of us (ALL of us) Love Dennie

Thank you Dennie and best of luck to you. Ellen

Hey Ellen, One thing to keep in mind is sometimes insurance companies don't know what their own policies are for different groups of people. If you meet all their criteria for approval, don't accept a denial. I had Cigna and the State of TN (TBR Colleges/Universities) has a different policy than general Cigna coverage. Benefits told me I was eligible but claims turned me down. Neither arm of the same company would talk to one another and left it up to me to bring them together for approval. I was cordial and courteous (no sense upsetting them who want to help) and ultimately successful and have been a loser ever since. Good luck and keep us posted. Welcome to the board. Lester

Thanks Lester for the tip. I hope I get it first time & don't have to mess with the appeal thing. I am not a pushy go getter. Best of luck as a loser. Ellen