New Here, What do I do first?

Hi all! 

I have been seriously considering weight loss s urgery for a while now but im not sure what the steps and process are.

My BMI is 48
My Insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield of VA PPO
Should I first pic a surgeon and let the surgeon handle the insurance?  What do I do first

Any help you can give would be much appreciated!

Hello and welcome to VA board!!

First thing you need to do is talk to your PCP about this decision so they may refer you to a surgeon to get things started. I know you have a PPO but you still have to be referred by your PCP for approval.

Once you have that you set up an appt with the surgeon and they will walk you through the steps you have to take according to what your insurance requires.

I know BC/BS requires a 6 month medically supervised diet to be documented each month from your PCP with no gaps in time(any gaps and you have to start all over again).

Good Luck!!

WLECOME!  Melanie game you the same advice I would have but wanted to say welcome to the VA board! lys

Than you all for the help! I do have a question, I talked to my insurer today and was told I dont have any requirements as far as a wait to get the surgery.  Was that the wrong info?  Also I was give names of surgeons and told and given the number.  Do you think I still will have to get a regerrel?

I pesonally contacted my surgeon first. They sent me a questionaire to complete and they handled everything from that point on. So maybe some of these members from Richmond can tell you their experience with certain drs. My doctor (which I highly recommend) is in Roanoke, so I'm sure that you would want one in your area. So my advice is to start researching your surgeon and then give them a call.

Good luck and welcome to our board. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

Penny

Who is your insurance thru?  I know BCBS...but who is your employer?  I work for BCBS so I know a bit about this.  Depending on your policty and if it has the rider depends on your requirements however ALL procedures are based on medical necessity.  I recommend talking to Dr. Hutcher as a surgeon.  He's top notch!  I am in Richmond if I can be of any help.