Re: Re: Insurance procedure for Belgium

[Guest guest]

Thanks Donna,

So it would be wise to open a case with BCBS before I go to Belgium in

September. I had the impression that a health insurance company's reimbursement

procedure is based on when a pre-condition is reported. In our case, I think it

would make a difference if reported prior or after the fact. But I am not sure.

Knowing that there are so many rules to get approved, I am not trying to hide

anything, I am just trying to find the way we are going to benefit the most.

What do you think Donna?

Mark.

donnakei donnakei@...> wrote:

Hi Mark,

This was my experience: I have the Blue Shield of California PPO plan and they

covered about 2/3 (hospital portion) of my bill when I had my left hip

resurfaced in

Belgium in '02.

I am planning to go back to have my other hip resurfaced on September 7th and

just

called the BS International division to open my case (which I did the first time

around

too).

I remember in '02, the BS agent didn't know much about resurfacing but was very

interested in what I had to say about it. I told her they should be sending

everyone to

Europe because at that time, it was so much cheaper...$9,500 as opposed to

$35,000

in LA. She was very nice and told me to just send them the translated bills

when I

received them (it took about 6 months to get them from De Smet). Then, I think

I

received a check from Blue shield within a month of sending in the bills.

BTW, I do know of one other woman with BS of Calif. who was successful in

getting

re-imbursed. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best, Donna LBHR 11/13/02 De Smet

> Hi all,

>

> I am working the details for my operation with Dr De Smet and I wonder if I

should

inform my insurance company of my plans before going to Belgium? Or should I

wait

until I get back and then file for a claim with required information?

> Thanks.

> Mark.

>

>

>

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