Insurance only approved Outpatient surgery - is that normal ?

[hotsexyrunnerchick 5]

So I was approved for my August 2nd surgery by Dr. Ren at NYU. Thing is it is just outpatient. I know that that buys me 23 hours and 29 mins in the hospital but I am scared that they are gonna cut me then kick me out. :tt2: Has anybody had any experience with outpatient surgery ?

[honk 780]

I have BCBS. My letter said the same thing. I called and spoke with them and they said that as long as it is deemed medically neccesary then they will approve a longer stay. I had been on Bloodthinners so my surgeon mentioned they may need to keep me for 2-3 days for lapband. Some people leave an hour after the surgery. My surgeon keeps everyone "overnight" and does not have people leave immediatly. Personnally I would'nt want to do that anyway. At 17 I had my tonsils out as day surgery. I had complications with my pain killers and was in very rough shape. Not sure what my mother was thinking having me go directly home after that surgery. We had Federal BCBS.

[Hottieinaroundbody 32]

I had Outpatient surgery for my lapband. Back home recovering in the comfort of my own bed in 5 hours. It was awesome! GOOD LUCK!!

[hotsexyrunnerchick 5]

I have BCBS. My letter said the same thing. I called and spoke with them and they said that as long as it is deemed medically neccesary then they will approve a longer stay. I had been on Bloodthinners so my surgeon mentioned they may need to keep me for 2-3 days for LAP-BAND®. Some people leave an hour after the surgery. My surgeon keeps everyone "overnight" and does not have people leave immediatly. Personnally I would'nt want to do that anyway. At 17 I had my tonsils out as day surgery. I had complications with my pain killers and was in very rough shape. Not sure what my mother was thinking having me go directly home after that surgery. We had Federal BCBS.

Thanks - I was just told that the 23 hours would keep me to the next morning and that if i needed more time that the hospital would need to get further approval then. I have BCBS also... Its just a bit frustrating all of the hoops that you have to go through !

[HappyMom 1]

I have BCBS and was also only allowed outpatient surgery. I didn't have any problems with the surgery. I was wheeled in for surgery at 10 am and was actually walking out of the hospital at 12:15! I REALLY wanted to go home!

My surgeon said that all of his surgeries are on an outpatient basis. He said that only his highest risk patients are ever anticipated to spend the night in the hospital and be monitored during recovery. He said that if a patient is having problems after surgery they will be admitted and stay longer, but that only happens in 1 out of 20 cases for him.

Good luck to you! Don't worry about the 23-hour limit. If you are truly having issues after your surgery you won't be kicked out of the hospital. I am sure that your insurance will pay for additional time if your doctor deems it necessary.