Question:
my insurance says 6 months of dieting, but it doesn't say consecutive

My insurance is BS/BC of Illinois. It says I would need 6 month supervise diet. But it doesn't say consecutive. The hospital where I'm going says it doesn't have to be consecutive, anyone know for sure?    — pugsley101 (posted on May 24, 2008)

May 24, 2008
I don't have BS/BC, I have Pacificare but my medical group does require it be 6 consecutive months through their program.
   — caprisunn22

May 24, 2008
I also have BC/BS of Illinois, and they HAD TO BE CONSECUTIVE. I have found that often, because the Hospitals deal with so many different insurances, they don't always know what is required. I was given incorrect information several times, from my Primary Drs. office as well as the hospital. I finally found the one person, who dealt strictly with the insurance companies and had the right answers. Be very careful. I was told that if I missed a month I would have to start over. I wish you the best on your journey.
   — Jrsmomi

May 24, 2008
Like Vicki, I was also told it had to six months consecutive. Actually, the bariatric center I'm using said 12 months. I did more checking and found it was definitely six months BCBS IL HMO is what I have. I was also told that if I missed even one weigh in, I would have to start the six months all over again. Good luck! I also found one person in my utilization management group who knew how to get things done. Once that happened, things started to click. I have just finished with all the testing. Have a meeting Tues with the fitness 'guru' and then everything goes to the surgeon to be submitted to the insurance for final approval.
   — norakeno

May 25, 2008
I have BC/BS TX and yes, the six months did have to be consecutive. But by the time you finish all of your testing and what not, those six months would have flown by. Don't worry...you'll get it done.
   — Caliqt03

May 25, 2008
Yeah, don't go by the hospital. If you have a PCP make monthly appts with them to weigh in and chart your progress. You've made the decision to have the surgery so don't leave anything to chance. Start weaning yourself off sodas, breads, sweets -- no drinking any liquids with foods -- because after the surgery for about a year I'd not drink with my food. It was not liquids 30 min before, during, or after the meal-- that's hard. And when and where possible -- start walking -- if you haven't already. The more you do physically within the next 6 months the easier the adjustments will be fore you. My insurance company said at least 6 months as well, however, if you missed weigh-in with your primary care one month it wasn't held against me. So just don't miss 2-3 months in a row and you'll have to start all over.
   — the7thdean

May 25, 2008
My insurance requires the 6 month and IT HAS TO BE CONSECUTIVE, I know alot of people that have had this surgery and they where required the 6 month consecutive MD supervised diet. My Dr' messed up my 6 month documented diet by going on vacation for a month and I needed to re-start the whole process, just be on the safe side and make it there monthly so they can document your weight and your major complains, and health issues. be sure they document everything no matter how minimal it may seem...and you'll be fine
   — Jan D.

May 26, 2008
It is 6 months consecutive. Think about it. You diet one month then stop the next month you dont then the next month you do. It can take you yerars to get approved if it wasnt consecutive
   — Joanc

May 27, 2008
Hi..I also have BC/BS of IL...At first when I started this process it was 12 months of consecutive months, then thank GOD changed to 6 months. I followed all the rules and hoops and I was accepted for the surgery after 48 hours...Go for the 6 months, it is worth it. Don't play around and think you can get around it, you will need to start over. In fact I went to my surgeon AND my primary doctor each month for 6 months consecutive. SO WORTH THE TIME!!
   — usfour