Question:
When I called my BCBS of Mich. to get information

regarding my approval/denial for surgery, a representative told me they are not allowed to give any information to me. I have to wait for my surgeons office to contact me. Has anyone else had this experience?    — Kay R. (posted on October 12, 1999)

October 12, 1999
NO! and If it were me ... I'd advise them they WILL give me the information IMMEDIATELY, and remind them that I am the one who pays the premiums NOT my surgeon, and advise them, that you're making a phone call to the State Insurance Commissioner's Office IMMEDIATELY upon hanging up with them, and DO SO! Please keep us posted on this!! I can't be certain of this as I don't know insurance laws for your state, however,I believe it's illegal for them to withold information from their own client!!!
   — Sherrie G.

October 13, 1999
I have BC/BS of Michigan and had no problem. I called the surgeon and got the CPT code and the diagnosis code, then I called Blue Cross, and asked them if this was a covered procedure. She said it was. At that point the Bariatric Treatment Center did all the paperwork and got the approval and everything else I needed. They told me that Blue Cross requires a psych evaluation, and after I got that and another consult the surgeon wanted, they submitted it and about 4 weeks later the approval came in and it was smooth sailing after that.
   — Stephanie S.