Question:
I HAVE BCBS OF MN (PPO) NOW WILL THEY APPROVE ME OR WHAT?

I AM JUST WORRIED THAT THEY WILL DENY ME. I HAVE A BMI OF 42 AND HAVE A MEDICAL NESSISTIE BUT THE LADIES THAT I SPEAK WITH AT BCBS THEY ARE NOT NICE ABOUT IT. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT I WILL NEED A PSHYC EVAUL AND SEE A DIETIAN AND THE DOCTOR IN MY TOWN WON'T BE IN OFFICE UNTIL FALL. NOW I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER DOC OUT OF STATE BUT IN THE NETWORK. I'M JUST VERY SCARED THAT AFTER ALL THIS SEARCHING AND STUFF THAT IAM GOING TO GET DENIED. WHAT CAN I DO ON MY PART? HELP PLEASE    — Yer P. (posted on April 28, 2005)

April 29, 2005
I am sorry to say that no one here can answer your question regarding denial. This website has alot of info on it which will help you get ready. Most insurance companies require a psych evaluation and a complete diet history. One thing you can do now is start listing every diet you have tried, waht worked what didn't, what was Dr supervised etc. Also many companies as you are learning require a dietician supverised diet - I would try to find a dietician and get started now. Best regards, Maggie B.
   — M B.

April 29, 2005
Hi there. I am five weeks post op now. I had my surgery with BCBS of MN. I am what is called a "lightweight". My BMI was only 37.5 but because of my high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc. I was considered a good candidate. Yes, you do need an evaluation and dietician. I just went to my clinic and got copies of all my old medical records and highlighted every time a doctor talked with me about my weight etc. The evaluation is only about an hour thing and I did talk to a dietician. I think I needed three consecutive months of that. If you are in Minnesota check with Park Rapids. They are great and they do a lot of the work for you and they do not have a long waiting list. Good Luck!!!
   — Barb N.

May 9, 2005
I have BCBS of MN .. they didn't give me any problems though it has to be medically necessary and that can be proven by your Doctor. Just submit all the necessary requirements .. psch eval, diet history,etc. I was approved in less than 1 week.
   — optiplex