Question:
What is the process to follow to get the ball rolling?

I soon will be switching over to Blue Cross/Blue Shield (effective January 2001). When do I start the process for getting surgery approved with them, and what is the first, second, etc., steps? I want to try to do this as efficiently as possible so that I can look at having surgery the first of the year.    — Lori M. (posted on October 4, 2000)

October 4, 2000
Gosh...it is really hard to answer this question without knowing the details of your policy. I had BC/BS of CA PPO and here's what I did. <ul><li>Get referral from PCP <li>Get appointment with surgeon for consulatation <li>Create document detailing all attempts to lose weight. <li>Create document detailing all co-morbidities. <li>Create document detailing family history of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions that may be exacerbated by obesity. <li>Meet with surgeon fully prepared.</ul> <p>Hope this helps you get the ball rolling!
   — Roseann M.

October 4, 2000
HI, I believe that your questions was answered. I wanted to invite you to are local (greenville) WLS support group. Please email me if interested, or if you looking for someone to talk with about wls. mike AKA pokie [email protected]
   — Michael (pokie) F.

October 4, 2000
I too am waiting to change insurances in Jan. and have had a lot of good advice from this site. The earlier response was excellent. I would just add that you need to visit your PCP now, before you start the process and get all your co-morbidities documented in your record. I also took a copy of my chart from my PCP to the consult.
   — smatney

October 4, 2000
Just an FYI on PPO and going directly to a bariatric surgeon...if you go through your PCP with a referral and have their office make the appointment with the surgeon you'll probably get in faster. It was my experience that having my doctor's office make the appointment with the surgeon helped to avoid a lengthy waiting period. Of course, your mileage may vary. Good luck!!!
   — Roseann M.