Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Anyone recently approved by Aetna?



Recommended Posts

Just curious if anyone had their approval from Aetna recently. How long did you have to wait to hear? My paperwork was submitted this morning. I called and they did receive everything so now I am just waiting. The insurance specialist at my surgeron mentioned they were being slower than usual...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have Aetna and it seemed like forever until I got word of appoval. I actually phoned their office after 7 days every other day for status check. Total I think it took close to two weeks (and they told me it could take a month). I called the phone number on the back on my card and phoned and wanted to get an update to my pending surgery. If they say it is being processed, ask if there is a reference number yet and if they do write it down and use it for future calls as reference if needed. I was the first to get word that my surgery got approved, I then phoned my doctor's office with an approval number and they phoned Aetna to verify and then the ball got rolling! Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have Atena and it took about two weeks. I also called them next day to make sure they recieved paper work, then every other day. The third time I called they said wait at least a week so I did and called everyday till I was told it was appproved. I did have to get them more information as I was missing a month on my 6 month wieght and exersise , my PCP's mistake. I got it for them had it faxed in and the next day was approved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hate to be the bummer in this thread but I have Aetna. My packet was submitted for approval on October 7th. Within 2 weeks it was denied. I then appealed their decision and my appeal was denied. I went for their third submission and it was approved within 2 weeks but every time my surgeon's office called for a status they always said it was pending even though a letter had already been sent out (since I usually received the denial/approval within 2 days from phone call). Even though it is a waiting game I want to stress not to give up! I almost did especially after 2 denials. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was banded on November 29th. Now the only other thing I have to possibly fight along with my surgeon's office is getting them to pay the actual claim. Sometimes they like to play games like that according to the ins specialist in my surgeon's office. Good Luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry Jen,

They are closed on weekends and do not do authorizations. Hang in there!!

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Jenn - I don't have Aetna but I do know how frustrating it is to have to wait. They submitted my paperwork on 11/22 and I haven't heard anything yet. Michele (from Dr. Spaws) called within a few days to verify that they had everything they needed. They told her it had all been received and said it was pending. I called a few days later (12/2) and at first they told me that they didn't show that they had received it. Then i explained that my docs office already verified that it was received and she did some more research. Then she said it had been received but they didn't show it was being reviewed. I emailed Michele and told her what they had told me. She called them on 12/3 and got the reference number and assured me that it had already been in the reviewal process. Point being - insurance companies are frustrating! After she assured me - I've been pretty calm about it. She said most the time (with BCBS) anyway, that it gets approved first go 'round. Have you asked Dr. Spaws office to schedule you date?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck Jen!!

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I have a reference number now but nothing else. Last week my dr indicated I could possibly have surgery 12-14 if approved in time. They had me start on pre-op diet and now I'm just hoping it all works out since 12-14 is next week

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Awesome. Reference number is a start. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Aetna is sure pokey. Your experience sounds all too familiar. Keep us posted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have Aetna as well and it took a couple of weeks for approval. They kept requesting more information but finally approved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hate to be the bummer in this thread but I have Aetna. My packet was submitted for approval on October 7th. Within 2 weeks it was denied. I then appealed their decision and my appeal was denied. I went for their third submission and it was approved within 2 weeks but every time my surgeon's office called for a status they always said it was pending even though a letter had already been sent out (since I usually received the denial/approval within 2 days from phone call). Even though it is a waiting game I want to stress not to give up! I almost did especially after 2 denials. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was banded on November 29th. Now the only other thing I have to possibly fight along with my surgeon's office is getting them to pay the actual claim. Sometimes they like to play games like that according to the ins specialist in my surgeon's office. Good Luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×