When should I switch doctors?

[Monifa415 0]

Update! Based on my experience that I posted in Introductions I was told by many to use a Center of Excellence to find myself a new doctor. I have done this and found 2 surgeons in my area that I have considered calling! Super stoked about that

The thing is I just completed my second sleep study last week which resulted in me having a score of 31 (which is considered severe) and just scheduled an appointment for a technician to come to my home and set up my CPAP machine. So technically I have completed all my approval requirements and I'm just waiting on insurance approval. My question is should I call these other doctors and try to switch now? Or should I wait for my approval then attempt to switch doctors? I want to call now and get it taken cared of, but I feel like some how it will affect the approval process. Is there any truth to this or am I just being paranoid?

[cheryl2586 3,053]

You have to have a surgeon in order to get approved they can not approve you if you dont have a surgeon to do the surgery. Its like approving a loan for a car or house and there isnt any to buy.

[Monifa415 0]

I do have a doctor, but I'm not happy so that's why I'm wanting to change. So that's where my question comes in about doing it now or after approval.

You have to have a surgeon in order to get approved they can not approve you if you dont have a surgeon to do the surgery. Its like approving a loan for a car or house and there isnt any to buy.

[sweetpea61956 6]

Call the insurance company and ask them which would work fastest. Then call the doctors and talk to them.

[JinTx 19]

I was in the exact same situation. I did as sweetpea advised and called my ins co and they said to have the new dr submit the request. Thats what I did and was approved in 3 days.

J

[CrisM 0]

I switched doctors and then they sent my info to my insurance company and they approved me. Best of luck!

[KBoo 3]

An approval isn't a blanket approval just because they approve one doesn't mean you can just go anywhere, you may be required to resubmit again which exhausts the resources of both doctors since they have to both compile a case. The smartest and most courteous thing to do is to switch than submit... This info is from my husband who is a insurance specialist for a bariatric surgeon

[Monifa415 0]

Thank you guys for the replies

I called my current office and they said they had not submitted my paper work yet, so I took advantage and called the doctors I was interested in. The first one didn't work out because apparently some places charge a membership fee? Something that's not covered by your insurance and HAS to be paid before surgery. This specific place charges $5,000.00 for 5 years! That's nuts! So I went with my second choice and they are currently requesting insurance info to get me started.

[bromo 17]

Glad you are getting started with the new doctor Monica. $5000? That is absurd. I did have a program fee of $300 but it allows me unlimited access to the nutrionist, fitness person and mental health person for a year.