Question:
I need some advice from other BTC patients about BCBS & RS......

I had my surgery Sept. 2002 at BTC and I had BCBS, which we all know they won't pay now. I'm so sorry for those who are pre-op. I really don't want to get reconstructive surgery, but I think im going to have to look into it, but my question is, Will BCBS cover or partially pay for that still? I have no clue if I go through BTC or find my own plastic surgeon? I need advice and direction. Thanks so much!    — Sandy M. (posted on April 27, 2003)

April 27, 2003
I may be wrong on this, but I believe that BTC does only the bariatic surgery and doesn't do plastic surgery. You'll have to find a plastic surgeon on your own - although the people at BTC may have some recommendations...JR
   — John Rushton

April 27, 2003
Sandy, I would recommend consulting with 2 or 3 plastic surgeons at least before deciding on one. Preferably you want one that is experienced with WLS patients. There is a great Yahoo group for folks interested in plastics after WLS - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossg-plasticsurgery/ I am currently awaiting insurance approval for a 2-phase process, the first phase to include a TT & Brachioplasty (arms), scheduled for June 30th. The second phase will include breast reduction/lift and inner thigh lift. My PS is Dr. Geoffrey Fenner, head of plastics at Evanston-Northwestern Hospital, Evanston, IL. He is awesome! His office is really good with getting insurance approvals. They tell me that BCBS is one of the best to have, providing the particular policy you have doesn't have exclusions. I have UHC PPO and find they approve maybe 50/50. And my husband's employer doesn't have an exclusion, just says it has to be considered reconstructive (which is pretty standard all over). Good Luck to you - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -123lbs.
   — Anna L.

April 28, 2003
Reconstructive surgery is different from RNY. BCBS is no longer being accept by BTC for RNY, but they have not stated that they do not accept it for reconstructive.
   — Megan P.

May 1, 2003
I learned that other hospitals do accept BC/BS for the RNY and lap band procedures. I am scheduled to have my initial consultation in July in Indianapolis IN. I have Anthem, which is a Blue Access PPO.
   — csanchez1111