Does anyone have John Deere TN care?

Has anyone had any luck getting approval for an out of network provider with John Deere TNcare? They only have 2 in network bariatric surgeons and of course they have long waiting lists.

I don't want to sound mean but I have waited for two years. What is your hurry? Are you prepared to pay up to $5,000+ for your surgery? That may be what you will be required to pay if going out of network to get WLS done. I suggest you sit still and wait out the approved surgeons. Also, get your ducks in a row. You will need to proof up the following to get a quick pre-approval: 1) Diet history in the past five years? 2) Weight history in the past five years? 3) Are you currently dieting under a physician's care? 4) Doctor's documentation of your co-morbidities - You will need to document more than two a) Hypertension b) Diabetes - Type I or II c) Heart Disease d) Sleep Apnea e) Osteo-Arthritis f) Liver problems g) Gall bladder problems h) Reproductive problems It is best to get your primary care physician to write a letter to the surgeon requesting that you be placed on the top of the list due to two or more the above problems.

Have you tried Dr. Boyce in Knoxville? Not sure if he accepts John Deer or not...But I know one of his nurses there told me that John Deere was the quickest to approve, so he might. I think it might be worth a try to call. I called in early January, went to a seminar January 8th, and am having my surgery on April 6th... Not bad for waiting, huh? Lol, especially when most of the other surgeons in my area have year-long waiting lists.

Dr. Boyce operates at Fort Sanders Parkwest in Knoxville and the hospital does NOT take John Deere Tenncare.