Question:
Insurance Companies

My question is has anyone ever dealt with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shiled in trying to get the surgery done. I am very new to this insurance, and I am not sure what thier requirements are. Also, If there is anyone in or around the area of Blacksburg Va what doctors would you recomend I try? Blacksburg is about 45 mins south of Roanoke VA, thanks in advance. Melissa    — kizie23 (posted on October 29, 2005)

October 29, 2005
i had double coverage with anthem. i had no problems with anything. i was approved in 3 days. i have heard that they request the normal things like 6 months of monitored dieting, psych evaluation, and speaking with a nutritionist. i had done everything but the evaluation as dr said my insurance did not require it. i live in charlottesville area. i don't know dr's down there at all. i went to uva hospital. my dr did a good job. i had no complications. if you wish to e-mail me directly you can at [email protected]. thanks tammi
   — tjjjx6

October 30, 2005
Anthem has its Medical policies on line so you can read the requirements for yourself. Look at http://www.anthem.com/jsp/antiphona/bcbs/nav/ilink_pop_native.do?content_id=PW_037637. The Surgeon website, asbs.org does not list any one in Blacksburg. You may want to use the provider finder to help in your search.
   — nursenut

October 30, 2005
I strongly believe in being pro-active about your healthcare. Go to the website for your insurance and look up their clinical plicy. It should tell you what they cover, as well as what they require.
   — Novashannon

October 30, 2005
I had Anthem Blue Cross when I had my surgery in Sept 2002. I had no problem getting approved, I did have some problem with lost paperwork, but that seems more due to the doctor's office filing my claim with the wrong insurance number and a misspelled name! Definitely follow up on things. If I hadn't, I might still be waiting!
   — sandsonik

October 30, 2005
Hey Melissa, This is in response to the surgeons. I too am from Blacksburg, and after speaking to people from the VA board, I found Dr. Tanachai Lucktong in Roanoke to be well recommended. I also attended the WLS support group meeting last week which is held the last Tues of the month in Radford at the Carilion NRV Hospital. The majority of the attendees used Dr. Lucktong and gave him high praises. My appointment with him is for January 17th. FYI, they are starting a bariatric surgery program at NRV, but when I questioned the surgeon about how many gastric bypass surgeries he had completed, he said "None". Needless to say, I decided it was worth the wait to go with someone who has the expericence. I also have Anthem, as I work at Virginia Tech. Since it appears the plans are different, you may want to contact them. I have the PPO Commonwealth of VA and was told by the insurance company that since my BMI is over 40, and I have HBP & high cholesterol, I just need to have the surgeon submit the request and do whatever testing the surgeon sees fit. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Good luck! Julie
   — Julie R.