One Step At A Time

[CarrieBrownsville 55]

So far I've been cleared by a psychiatrist, a nutritionist and a heart doctor. Friday AM is the upper GI and if I pass it, then I see my primary care doc for clearance. After that is the wait for insurance approval. What kind of time frame are we looking at for normal insurance approval? I should think the insurance companies would approve quickly when health issues are at stake. Any ideas? I'm so ready to get this going!

[Jerseygirl82 18]

I had a three week wait. I called my doctors office once a week to see if they had heard yet. Finally that third call they said they had just received the email. Worth it.

[utcaneuser 32]

Mine was about 3 weeks. Keep in mind you can also call your insurance your not limited to your dr.'s office.

[RhondaMarie 67]

Not every insurance will allow patients to call & inquire about auths.

Isn't that terrible? There are some patients (not necessarily lap band patients) that REALLY suffer for it.

[utcaneuser 32]

Insurance companies don't allow the patients to call them? what a crock!!!!!!!!!!!! I would be complaining majorly; they are my benefits, there is no reason I should not be able to find out the status of them. ok done ranting

[RhondaMarie 67]

I didn't say these patients can't call to question if A or B is covered. Some, however, do not allow patients to call & request auths

.. or to call and question an auth in process. I work in the front end of a hospital with a HUGE focus on revenue cycles. It causes big issues for the patients.

There is an even worse issue. Speaking on a diagnostic testing side... I live between 3 big cities. If you go to a specialist there & want to have your test done at home (aka out of their health system) they wont even attempt to obtain an auth for a test their doc wants!! RIDICULOUS!!! They send everything to a PCP to piecemeal & may add weeks to the waits! That's great patient care!!

It's a lot of decisions being made to save administratively that totally screw patients.

[NWgirl 574]

Insurance companies have 30 days to respond to a pre-authorization.

Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

[CarrieBrownsville 55]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I always learn so much on this site!

[kimeo99 9]

It took them a few days 4 my approval!!!! My insurance company call and told me the good news herself!!!!!