Question:
Can I get lap instead of open?

I have BCBS of TN- Blue Preferred PPO and desperately want to have WLS. My consulatation appt is tomorrow (10-24) with Dr. Pierce in Cleveland, TN. He only does the open RNY. I have read so much about the lap RNY and the short amount of recovery time with it. I would love to have it, but from calls to Dr. Champion in Atlanta have found out that he isn't a preferred provider for my ins. Is there a way to have him (or someone else who does lap) covered as a preferred provider since there is no one listed as a preferred provider who does lap???? I know that my ins will pay out of network for him (60%), but with the cost of this WLS, that would be around $8000. I don't have that kind of money. Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure that I have covered all my bases before going ahead with open RNY. Tina    — Tina K. (posted on October 23, 2000)

October 23, 2000
Tina, I too am with BCBS, and I am seeing Dr. Dennis Smith in Atlanta who is on our PPO list. He does the Lap RNY, VGB, & BPD/DS. Look for surgeons in GA. He is on the website here. Also, his website is www.mini-surg.com and his e-mail address is [email protected]. I am having my Lap RNY Nov. 28th. Good luck!!!
   — Keri A.