Question:
Has anyone had Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois approve for Lap R-N-Y?

   — Cindy C. (posted on September 14, 2003)

September 14, 2003
I was approved by BCBS of IL for my lap rny in July of this year. All I can say is that every policy is different, even within the same insurance company. Good luck to you!
   — kristynush

September 14, 2003
I was approved within about 2 weeks of my initial consult. No problems, no hang-ups. I was told the ins. co. considers this surgery a money-saving one in the long run. Get a contact person at your ins. co. and always ask for him/her.
   — kathy B.

September 14, 2003
I have BCBS of IL PPO and received my approval letter in the mail in just two weeks. I had open RNY distal. Go to your doctor in the find a doc section and there will be a list of the insurers that have had surgery with that doctor. That is the best way to look at the insurance issue.
   — ChristineB

September 14, 2003
I agree with an earlier poster that different policies, even under the same insurer, may yield different results (for example, if there is a specific exclusion in your employer's policy). With that said, I was approved on the first try, within about two weeks after my consult visit, no questions, no problems.
   — Vespa R.

September 15, 2003
Hi Cindy ... I had LAP RNY on June 18th of this year ... I am also covered by BC/BS PPO of Illinois ... I did have a slight problem initially, however. It seems MY COMPANY opted to not have this surgery covered, however, my surgeon sent a medical necessity letter to BCBS, and was eventually (4-5 weeks later) approved. Good luck!
   — Karyn B