Blue Cross Blue Shield MN PLASTIC Approval??? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

PollyC · 07-15-2009, 10:57 PM

Hey Gang!
Been a long time since I have stopped in to catch up with y'all. I am 34 months post opp! WOW...almost 2 yrs. I met with a great plastic surgeon today for over 2 hours. He discussed all my questions and concerns.
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN. They told me my INS would cover tummy tucks depending on how they were coded....??? Sounds like a game to me. I have been battling back issues since Jan 2009 and have lots of documentation from all of the physical therapy and the need to get this extra off around my stomach.
Anyone have success with plastic approval (tummy tuck) with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN???

Thanks and keep on Losin'!

Phoenixfire · 07-26-2009, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PollyC

They told me my INS would cover tummy tucks depending on how they were coded....??? Sounds like a game to me. I have been battling back issues since Jan 2009 and have lots of documentation from all of the physical therapy and the need to get this extra off around my stomach.
Anyone have success with plastic approval (tummy tuck) with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN???

Hey Paula, I don't have BCBS, so I can't help you. But maybe you could help me?

When/if you find out how the plastic surgeon codes your tummy tuck, I'd REALLY like to hear what condition/diagnostic code they use (if it's successful!) So if you find that out can you remember me and post/PM what you learn?

I have years of documented back pain too, and I'd love to get a tuck covered by insurance. I'm not sure if there's enough weight there to say it really affects my back though. I know that on OTHER procedures I've had done that my doctors used the right diagnostic code for submission to insurance. And they covered some stuff they wouldn't have if that code wasn't used. So your doc is right...coding is what it's all about in some of these situations!

Are you dealing with a large amount of weight there on your tummy that's pulling on your back? Did your doctor say you had to have a certain amount of weight there in order to get insurance approval? I hope you don't mind me jumping in to ask this, especially since I don't have answers for your questions.

You might want to post this question over in the plastic surgery section too...

Samantha. · 07-26-2009, 03:45 AM

I can't help with BCBS approval since I also have BCBS and amd just getting ready to do the paperwork pre-op.

BUT as phoenix said I'd like to hear more about your coding for the tummy tuck, I also have backproblems and I'm looking forward to seeing how much plastic surgery my insurance would cover if I need it. Also,my mother had her surgery 9ish years ago and lost about 225 pounds they wouldn't approve her tummy but did approve her upperthighs and arms go figure?!

Wish you all the best!

Samantha.

PollyC · 08-10-2009, 10:20 AM

Hey ladies!
I will keep you posted....
I just received a call from my plastic surgeons office wanting a little bit more info...so I should have an answer soon! I pray it is God's will.

Follow me on Twitter or Facebook...paula stowe chaffin

PollyC · 09-21-2009, 12:21 PM

I my tummy tuck was approved today! YIPPIE SKIPPIE! *Doing the HAPPY DANCE* WOOT WOOOOOT!