Question:
I need to hear from anyone who was approved by BCBS for a distal bypass of any kind.

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO of Michigan but live in Texas and so BCBS of Texas handles my local care. I have been told that my insurance may not cover a distal bypass but I know there are post ops who have had distal bypasses and had BCBS insurance cover it. Please let me know if you are one of the lucky ones who were successful in getting them to approve a distal bypass. Thanks    — Sheila B. (posted on July 12, 2000)

July 12, 2000
I have BC/BS of Michigan and had a Distal RNY approved. My surgery was in January and took 5 weeks to get the approval. Good luck.....
   — Judy C.

July 13, 2000
I had BC/BS PPO of CA and was approved for RnY distal. I was approved in less than 48 hours after the insurance received the letter from my surgeon.
   — Roseann M.

July 13, 2000
I have BCBS Federal and was approved within one week for a Roux-en-y Distal Procedure. I live in Texas and the Distal procedure was the only one my doctor performed.
   — ann A.

July 13, 2000
Ann, could you e-mail me privately please. I would e-mail you but your e-mail is not listed. Thanks
   — Sheila B.

July 15, 2000
I was approved for Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenalswitch (a distal bypass procedure) by Empire BlueCross/BlueShield within 72 hours of my doctor's submission (he writes a comprehensive kick a$$ letter and has a high approval rate). Good luck to you in getting your approval and sailing through your distal.
   — Jill L.