I have Anthem (NY) BC/BS. I had my initial consult Nurse Practiioner/Psych/Nutr. on 12/27. I got a call from the insurance on 1/27 saying they were approving my surgery and gave me a surgery date. I told them that due to a treatment of a blood clot that I would not have clearance from my neurologist to get off the blood thiners I am taking until after 3/8. They said to contact them when I had clearance from the neurologist and had scheduled a date with the surgeon. I do not have comorbidities. I did have a blood clot in the brain earlier this year that was very scary, but knock on wood is responding well to treatment.
Due to a knee issue I have been exercising nearly dailey for the last 16 months. When I went to my first consult I brought a print out from my gym showing my attendence (everytime I check in the computer logs it). If you are going to a gym I would bring those records with you to the doctors office as they send that information to the insurance company.