Question:
has anyone been aprove from blue cross

has any one been approve for plastic surgery from blue cross blue shield of illinios.    — HELENNOVOA123 (posted on September 17, 2008)

September 17, 2008
I was approved from blue cross blue sheild federal, I don't know if it is because I am a federal employee or not but I was approved the first time. I also know that my surgeon sent 31 pages of information when they sent for approval. You can try to call your blue cross ins. and ask them what their requirements are for the surgery and see if you have met them. I thought that I only needed to see the dietician 3 times but it turned out I had to see her 6 times and I had to see a cardiologist and a pulmonary specialist to.
   — sweetpea616

September 21, 2008
I hope to be!!! My surgeon doesn't think it will be an issue. Of course it will be just removing skin etc.... not the whole tummy tuck or lower body lift like I would love. I go back in March 09 so I will find out then. I would love to hear what happens with you!
   — Fluffee

September 21, 2008
It took me about a year and a half to get approved from BCBSIL. I had to do the 6 month medically supervised diet, Nut and Psch evals. I made my own form for the Doc to fill out every month as BCBSIL does not give specific guidelines for the doc. Then they told me the information wasn't complete enough from the doc. Then they told me that I didn't supply enough medical history. Then they told me that Jenny Craig was not an acceptable diet, when it was right there in black and white on my policy details (READ your policy specifics for Bariatric coverage). Stall...stall...stall... I kept notes of every conversation, person's name, date and time. Finally as all of my reqired info was about to expire (had a 2 year window BCBSIL PPO) and I had jumped through multiple hoops at their request- I told them that they were almost being cruel and maybe I needed to talk with an attorney. 2 days later I was approved for Lap RNY. I'm not going to sugar coat it- I cried and got very frustrated often. They made it pretty darn difficult because in my opinion, they didn't want to pay for the surgery- period. Good luck and if there's anything more you want to know, drop me an email.
   — Lynda G.

September 21, 2008
I was approved within 1 week, I have bcbsil hmo. The (lapband) process for me was very smooth. I started the process in 3/08. My surgery was 4/28/08, post op 35 pounds. good luck!!!!
   — savoy7658