Question:
Has anyone recently gone thru BCBS of Illinois?

I've done all the reading on the site about BCBS and am now curious about how much I should jump in. My surgeon's office faxed the paperwork yesterday (2/7)and I'm SO tempted to call the insurance company for a status check, but don't want to make anything worse by doing that. Surgery is scheduled for 3/5, pending approval- I need to buy my plane ticket for it, but want some sort of a pre-approval or something before I do that just to be on the safe side. Any advice out there? Should I start calling and bugging them or should I back off and give them a chance to run through their own process? The notes about them vary greatly on the insurance page, some say it was great, fast approval, no probs, others say the worst battle ever. How in the world can it vary so much?    — Leisl L. (posted on February 8, 2002)

February 8, 2002
If they are anything like BCBS of Florida --don't hold your breath---I have been waiting since Nov. 19-2001---everytime I call its something to delay it---last time they said the dr. didn't send my height and weight---DUH! LIke applying for gastric bypass without it---
   — [Anonymous]

February 8, 2002
The thing about insurance is that they are all different. Not just from one company to another, but from one state to another. BC/BS has dozens of different companies, policies, requirements, etc. What is true in one state does not necessarily apply to another. Your best bet is find someone who has the same policy you do. On the issue of calling them, I'd probably give them a week or so to get the paperwork and get it through their system of approval. I don't think you'll make it worse by calling. Good luck.
   — garw

February 8, 2002
I had Lap RNY done in Sep 2001 using BCBS of IL. Call them! They "misplaced" my surgeon's 1st letter and then I was approved within a week of the 2nd. Be sure to keep your approval letter and follow up with the bills after surgery. I really had to work to get claims paid even with pre-approval. Good luck to you!
   — Mary O.

February 8, 2002
I have BC/BS of Il and had no trouble getting approved. I would suggest faxing the paperwork yourself and calling everyday. I had approval within 24 hours. Good luck! Lisa
   — Lisa B.

February 8, 2002
I had BCBS of IL for my Lap RNY in Dec. 2000. It took about one month for approval. They say it takes 7-14 days, but I was waiting for approval in July, when many of their employees were on vacation. It ended up taking 3 1/2 weeks, but there were no problems. I called a couple of times, but I don't know if it made a difference. I don't think it would hurt to call.
   — Maria H.