Question:
Questions regarding Blue Care Network of Michigans requirements for WLS.

What is considered a medically supervised diet with BCN of Michigan? Does anyone know of any good ways to work through this if you haven't had any medically supervised diets except for going to the doctor a few times a year? Does blue cross traditional have these same requirements? What type of psych. evals are given, and what kinds of problems keep you from getting approved with BCN of Michigan? Please, any help at all is appreciated. HMOs are a pain in the butt as far as I am concerned. But, if you have insurance it is still better than having none at all. Thanks soo much.    — Michelle H. (posted on March 26, 2002)

April 10, 2002
Michelle, I have Blue Care Network and am in the process of gathering all the information needed for approval. I'm working with the Hurley Center for Comprehensive Weight Loss in Flint, Michigan. The insurance person there is very knowledgeable as to what is needed. She has called me on 3 occasions to get more information before she submits it all to the BCN. When I hear, I'll contact you again.
   — Maryanne H.

April 10, 2002
Hi Michelle. I have BCN Michigan and my surgery was approved in less than a week, back in December. I had my open RNY on 2/11/02. They only required a diet history, which my Doctor's office submitted to them. My Dr's office also called them to reinforce the history. This particular Dr. I had only been on one supervised diet with. All the others were on my own or with other Drs. I believe your PCP plays a great role in approval. I never once had to speak to anyone from BCN. Just make sure you write down everything you have tried to lose weight, no matter now insignificant it may seem. Good luck!
   — Jennifer G.