Overnight Stay Pre-Approval

[gcmy 5]

My doctor required me to stay overnight after my lap band surgery. He did not request pre-certification from my health insurance company. The company approved a number of after surgery monitoring hours, but not the overnight stay. Does the doctor's office accept payment received as payment in full, or will they ask me to pay the difference? Insurance is Fed Employees Blue Cross.

[MelindaH 3]

My doctor required me to stay overnight after my lap band surgery. He did not request pre-certification from my health insurance company. The company approved a number of after surgery monitoring hours, but not the overnight stay. Does the doctor's office accept payment received as payment in full, or will they ask me to pay the difference? Insurance is Fed Employees Blue Cross.

[MelindaH 3]

Hi, I have worked in insurance and am also covered by the BCBS federal plan. Is yours the standard or basic? Do you know how many hours you were in the hospital? I have seen the hospital bill outpatient observation hours instead of a room charge on several of my own admissions. You generally have to be out within twenty three hours of your surgery (not your admission time but when recovery begins). Talk to the business office and request your medical records. I also feel that the surgeon's office should at least apologize to you. In the end, the hospital and insurance consider you responsible to make sure the pre auth is made. Best of luck. I hope this is clearly stated as I am tired today. May I ask how long it took for your case to be approved by BC? Pls feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Melinda

[Wheelchair 13]

I have no idea on the insurance aspects.. but are you also wanting to stay overnight?

My surgeon requires an overnight stay but I was VERY ADAMANT about going home as soon as I was able.

I had my surgery at 10am... and I was relaxing at home before 3pm.

I just don't like staying in hospitals...