Hope everyone is well. I just wanted to share my experience thus far.
In November 2017, I decided to attend a Bariatric Info Session. In December 2017, had my first weigh in, met the surgeon, and first nutrition visit. I was automatically switched to County Care Health Plan and the following are specific requirements for bariatric surgery:
6 nutrition visits (NO referral needed)
Cardiac stress test
EKG
CHX
Pulmonary test
Endoscopy
CBC / CMB
Sleep study
I had the option to select my own health care plan if I did not want County Care Insurance. Therefore, I researched and compared plans based upon the services/co-pays/hospitals/physicians and in January 2018, I selected Illinois Blue Cross Community Health Care. I just called the insurance coordinator to confirm if I needed a referral for the psych evaluation. The coordinator explained, as of 2018 Blue Cross Community Bariatric requirements are:
6 nutrition visits (no referral neeed)
psych evaluation (no referral neeed)
letter of medical necessity
1 support group meeting (surgeon requirement - I attended three)
WHAT?!!! THAT'S IT!? I was still crossing off requirements based on my previous health insurance. So, in two weeks (same day appointment) I will have 6th nutrition visit, pysch evaluation, surgery date, and finally weigh in prior to insurance submission. Quite sure surgeon wants a cardiac stress test. Absolutely no problem. I did have blood work, ekg, barium swallow, physical therapy, and a sleep study. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. I asked the coordinator if the sleep apnea will deter the surgery date. She said the anesthesiologist will review the sleep apnea results and determine if further measures need to take place.
So my final stats and comorbidities are:
Ht: 4'11"
HW: 225.6 (BMI 45.6)
CW: 213.8 (BMI 43.1)
mild sleep apnea
high cholesterol
back pain
knee pain
I really wanted to post in the event someone in IL may have the same insurance and seeking answers. Although I highly recommend contacting your health insurance representative and obtain updated and accurate information for your concerns. Thank you for reading my rant. I wish you all success and infinite happiness throughout your journey.
Bookmarks