Insurance woes.

I was totally surprised at first that BCBS Anthem approved my surgery very quickly.  Then the funny part.  Part of the requirements for final approval is of course, the Psych eval, and nutritional counseling.  These 2 are mandatory for insurance approval.... However...  1.  They don't cover any mental health issues, even when it's mandatory by the company for a medical procedure. 2.  They dont cover any Nutritional counseling, even though its mandatory also for the WLS. My psych eval was approx. 360 dollars, and the current rate for nutritional counseling is a whopping 49 bucks every 15 minutes!!!    Oh wow.. I could just go on and on..  It's frustrating and angering knowing that in order to get surgery, you have to pull more and more out of your pocket to jump the insurance hoops. Rob

Hi Rob! My insurance didn't cover the psych. evaluation either.  It was $200.00. I originally started with a different hospital and I was required to pay for nutritional counseling as well.  All totaled it was approximately $400.00 (plus the $200.00 for the psych. eval.) And you know what?  It was worth every penny!!!  If I had to do it all over again I would!  The only regret I have about my procedure is that I waited so long to do it!!!  Trust me, whatever you have to do...just jump in with both feet and do it!  You will be so glad that you did! We're with you! Freddie

My BCBS of Minnesota required nutritional counseling too. Mine was/is included in my program fee I paid for the first 2 years of post-op care. Psych eval was $200 paid out of my own pocket. I agree with Freddie...it is worth every penny!!!

Rob your psych exam is really high, usually they are about $200. Bless your heart. That would take some saving. and the nut. counseling is 49. for 15 how many mins. I know take a egg timer with you tell her/.him to give you a print out of anything that exceeds the 15mins.Sorry sweetie,, that just seems to be awful extreme. Barb

I believe for Dr. O'bryan, I paid 230 dollars, and he said he would send the rest in to my insurance.. which wont pay the remainder

And yes.. I agree with you all..  I know it is well worth it and worth every penny of it. I am grateful that I do at least have insurance and it is covering most of the costs.  Now to keep convincing my wife it's worth it every time we have addition costs involved..LOL Rob

Hang in there buddy!  We are going to fight this fight together!