Anthem and Requirements

Has anyone had to have a 6 month diet?
Pre op Surgeon Consulataion?
Psych Eval?
Nurt Eval?

If so how long did it take for approval after submitting the paperwork?

Thanks

I was approved by Anthem 5 days after my surgeon submitted the paperwork. I did not need any pre-op diet. Neither the insurance nor my surgeon required it (except 2 days of full liquid diet before surgery day) I needed a consultation/evaluation with a psychologist and dietitian, which was set up by my surgeon and did not take a lot of time at all. Anthem covered my surgery and all the pre-op testing.

I do not know what you mean by "pre-op surgeon consultation" but you will definitely need a consultation (or to attend a seminar) with a surgeon since he will be the one that will submit your paperwork to your insurance. Anthem also requires pre-surgical testing and that surgery will take place in what they consider a Medical Center of Excellence.

If you have any questions just let me know.

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Surgery Date: 09/11/2009 - Surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, Beverly Hills, CA

My Blog: http://stardusticsjourney.blogspot.com/

I'm still in the process but I haVe BCBSIL and they require a letter of clearance from my PCP, a 3-month supervised diet and a psychological evaluation. I've done everything and am just working on the 3-month diet now. Good Luck!

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10/02/09: Referral to Surgeon by PCP
10/13/09: Lap-Band®® Seminar
10/20/09: 1st Appt. w/ Surgeon- I'm a 'great candidate'!
10/20/09: Psych Evaluation- Green light by Psychologist!
10/20/09: PCP, start 3 MO pre-op diet
10/23/09: Appt. w/Nutritionist- quick and painless!

I've done the psych eval and the nutrionist due to that being part of my doctor's "plan".. however, I haven't had to do anything else for the insurance. They approved me the first try. I had expected to wait the 6 months which seems typical, however that wasn't required in my case. I do have Anthem for insurance.