FMLA & WLS & HIPPA I need help

FMLA & WLS & HIPPA I need help Ok It is finally time to start talking about me going on leave for my WLS. I have completed all of my consults. I just had last appt today. I know my insurance covers this surgery. Howver i dont know if it is covered on FMLA. I thinknit has to be because my dr is going to fill out the papers for my surgery. I am a salary employee. I will have Short term disability available. I really dont want to have to tell my employer what the surgery is for,but It will be on the FMLA papers. I talked to the lady in HR and told her I was having my gallbladder out and while there they would be doing some other things, and i did not think i should have to tell anyone what it was. so she says I do not have to tell my supervisor at all just tell him i will be out. Ok i have to tell met life what it is cause they are my STD people. She said she will check into it and see what i must and must not tell. I guess my biggest concern is i have to turn in FMLA papers and it will say gastric bypass. I turn those papers to our HR nurse (not who i talked to today) she then says i will turn them in and see if it is a covered or not you will get an answer in 3 days(she did this to me when i was a hourly for my type 2) who says what is approved and what is not under FMLA? I could really use any advice..

My surgery is covered by the MLA and STD I have Metlife for STD and they said they definately cover it... I was really excited.. They said as soon as I go on leave 10 days after that it will be activated so I should receive my benefits at 3 weeks.. which my HR manager was not sure if they would cover my surgery.. I tell everyone and all the associates that I work with are really excited for me ... they are concerned and they realize I want to be healthy and happy... So they are offering any support they can give me... best wishes...

Robin Thanks for the info.. I have told a couple of my friends at work. I have been at tis place for 7 years some are like family... But we are a company of 600 people. and i just did not think i should have to tell some hag in HR that i dont know my business.. I guess i am just more afraid of them trying to day that is elective or some kind of bull that is going to knock me out of it until i have vacion in dec.. Thanks so much Robin for sharing with me. It really thakes alot for all of us to be able to open ourselves up. I am so happy for all my new friends I have met. Michelle

I don't have to file fmla, but my husband is so that he can be home with me for four weeks. There is no problem for him, I fit all the criteria...re: inhopital care and disability for a short term,(less than 12 weeks). So hopefully it will be covered for you. Anne

I'm not sure, but shouldn't any time off work be covered with a note from your Doctor? He shouldn't have to say what you are off for, just that you are under his care, and that you need XYZ days off...Carol

I fill these out in the OB/GYN office where I work and I alwyas put out for a medical problem requiring surgical treatment and it always seems to be ok... everyonce in a while I have somone ask me for specifics but most often not, I dont think it is there business the exact procedure you are having done, we do alot of vaginal surgeries and thigs like that and I NEVER put that on there and I fill out about 5 of these EVERY day....for our surgery pts... Hope this helps!!! Rebecca surgery scheduled 7/2/04

Michelle, It's a good idea to go out on medical leave and use FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). This is a law from the federal government. All you have to mark on the paper that you would get from your HR department at work is that you are going to have major surgery that will require a hospitalization. Please remember, that the surgery is your business... HR people are not allowed to share. Under the FMLA act, you have 12 weeks every year that you can use as sick leave. Your employer has to hold a position for you for those 12 weeks if necessary. This is a good thing.... get those papers. A little more job security for you in case something unforseen happens. Richard Meeks Lap RNY 6/7/04