Question:
I would like to hear from any pre-ops or post-ops that have Blue Cross of IL PPO

How is approval going? I am changing over to BCBS of Illinois PPO during open enrollment. The chnage will become effective January 2004. I work for SBC Ameritech and I know that policies differ, but I am afraid of not being approved. How was/is your BCBS experience and what did they require for approval? Thanks    — ToriJ (posted on October 16, 2003)

October 16, 2003
They approved me within 2 weeks. The company that I work for changed to BC/BS of IL last Jan and everyone from my work place that had the surgery had no problems at all. Good Luck!!!
   — badkidzmom

October 16, 2003
Hi there ... I am covered by BC/BS of Illinois PPO, and when I originally contacte BC/BS ... they said THEY would cover it, but MY COMPANY had an exclusion to not cover it. My surgeon, however, submitted a "medical necessity" appeal letter, and I was approved 100%. Took a few weeks to get the approval, but it worked out well. Good luck!! LAP RNY 06/18/03 -68
   — Karyn B

October 18, 2003
I am still waiting for a response from the medical review board. They are getting very strict. Make sure you have a detailed list of all your diet attempts and weight lost/gained. If you have WeightWatchers logs send those in too. They also may ask for a 6 month medically supervised diet. Call them and ask them what they require for approval and if you can (good luck) ask for it in writing. Read my profile and you can see what I have gone through so far. AND INSTEAD OF FAXING SEND YOUR PRE-CERT FOR SURGERY INFO TO THEM VIA CERTIFIED MAIL so that you are sure someone over there gets it!!!!
   — Kara J.

October 19, 2003
I switched to BcBs IL..just so they would cover the surgery. I was approved within a week. No problems.. Of course I as Morbidly Obese with plenty of diet documentation. I am staying with BcBs into 2004 just in case I need hernia repair or plastic surgery.
   — Rhonda S.

December 5, 2003
THATS GOOD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BCBS ILLS. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT BCBS IS CHANGING A LOT OF THINGS IN THERE POLICYS JUST MAKE SURE YOU READ OVER EVERYTHING
   — MARLO M.