IMSKINNY

Good point! I am now on a 'first name' basis with the intake person at the insurance company. She's been the only person that has consistently called me back through this process. She said I should know something by Tuesday. So, I'll give until then, but after that all bets are off!

So... I called my insurer and they are still saying that the surgeon has not submitted the paperwork! My last visit was 2 weeks ago! I realize that I am not the only patient, but what in the world could the surgeon's office be doing to prepare the documents that could take 2 weeks? When I email the coordinator, she says that the paperwork has been forwarded to the patient advocate and that I should keep calling my insurance company every few days to check on the status! WTH? Of course, that's the polite way of saying don't call us! Annoying.... Does anybody know what the patient advocate might be doing with the documents other than sitting on them?

Well, the patient advocate emailed me and said that the information has been forwarded to the insurance company. I called the insurer and they indicated that they have received the documents. Now, we wait again... They said to call back Tuesday. Let's just pray and be hopeful. Thanks for the good advice!

I really have not appreciated the way my surgeon's office has responded to me. I've called as everyone has suggested and they simply don't answer the phone! WTH? I feel like such a whiner! OMG! The insurance company has been more responsive! I have called them and left a message and they have promptly returned my call. I've beginning to think I chose the wrong local surgeons!

When was your surgery and how much have you lost?

Mine didn't cover shakes. The med sup diet for me was meeting with the nurse pract and the dietician once a month to weigh and discuss diet and exercise. I found it useful. But, I lost a total of 1 lb, which they said was okay because I didn't gain weight!

Thanks guys for the encouragement! I hate getting snippy because when I do, I can be very ugly! I called the patient advocate and left a message. Maybe she'll call back...

Glad you're back and things went well!

I see why the bariatrics business in Mexico is thriving!

My niece used Care Credit and was pleased.

I have a surgery date scheduled with Dr. Alvarez, if my insurer does not pay or if i cant get a surgery date this summer. I have been more impressed with him and his staff than I have been with my surgeon here. He took the time to do a consult with me via FaceTime and his office gave me the names of some of his patients in my area. Each of them emailed me and one even called. They all raved about him! I'm sure that all the surgeons are very good, but I am pleased with my choice!

Wow! What a great place to be having surgery!

I guess I'll worry about it next week. Thanks.

Glad you made it! All that worrying for nothing. Let us know how the surgery goes. Hope all goes well.

I called the surgeon's office and spoke with the BC. She said that she faxed it to the patient advocates and they are the ones responsible for forwarding to the insurer! Is that too much beauracracy in one office or what? I will be calling the insurer again tomorrow!

At least yours has received the paperwork! Mine hasn't!

Let us know that you made it safely!

Take a deep breath and relax... You'll do very well, I'm sure.

I can see that this process is going to be rather nerve-wracking!

I wonder if I should call the surgeon's office? My last visit was last Wed and I emailed the coordinator and asked her to email me when the paperwork goes out, so that I could call the insurance company. I still have not heard from the coordinator to inform me that she's forwarded everything to the insurer. Should I email her again or should I just wait to hear from her? What do you guys think?