Call Your Insurance Company Yourself!

[WhoDatFishinFool 17]

I am so frustrated the insurance person in my Dr.'s office. I have been waiting for 15 days for approval from BCBS for what I was told only takes an average of 4 days. I even called the Dr.'s office at 10 days from when they said they submitted the paperwork. Last friday the woman in the office said she was surprised that she hadn't heard back yet. Well I went ahead and called the insurance company directly yesterday only to be told that they just received the information from the Dr.'s office on the 6th. TWO DAYS AGO. Bottom line, it's YOUR surgery so own the process from start to finish. I should have.

[mufasas-mom 170]

that's 100% correct - always follow up with EVERYTHING. First - before you start anything - call your insurance company and get the details on coverage, in writing. then you will know that you have done all the requirements required by YOUR insurance plan/policy. I have copies of everything from the beginning of this journey. It really amazes me how many people 'trust' their doctors office to know each and every insurance policy and then get SO SURPRISED that they now have to do a 6 month wait or other requirements.

My doctors office printed out what was required by the surgeon, their office, and my insurance....guess what - they were WRONG - luckily I had my requirements from the insurance company so they could see what was 'truly' required - not recommended. They cannot be expected to know all the policies, it's your job to know your policy, no excuse.

[Darkkyss 33]

I was told the same thing before I started, to keep on top of everything calling back regularly. I was even calling on test results making sure they were sent up to the Dr.'s ASAP. I called and emailed my Dr's office and insurance company at least weekly. If they needed something I made the call asking why it was not sent already and when it would be sent. I did not wait for Dr. office. Good Luck,!!!

[LadyK 164]

Honestly, I didn't call back regularly at first, the insurance coordinator called me once a week or every two weeks, to check my progress on clearances, I admittedly procrastinated at first because there was a very stressful situation going on at the time. She continued to call and one time she asked me was I still interested in the surgery. I told her yes and finally started to do everything this year, I ended up having to meet with my surgeon again as well because it had been so long. Anyway, I did call the insurance company when I was still looking for a doctor and had them explain to me what was covered and what I would have to pay as well as what was required. A few people I know who had wls too were telling me I had to do 6 months of dieting before but I had to keep telling them no I don't because I already called the insurance company twice and I already know! Because of my high bmi, the 6 month requirement is waived. I haven't had any problems so far, just astronomical co-pays. The office and staff have been really helpful in helping me with insurance. I have BCBS too.Still keep on top of it and follow up, and sometimes it's sad but the office staff will chase away patients, I've left some pretty nice doctors because of crappy staff, now I'm not suggesting you do this, but just keep it in mind just in case. Sorry for the mini novel LOL

[gelen's_change 157]

And i also learned that when somthing u ask the insurence's representative is not clear ask to speak to a supervisor. I just found out i didnt have to do a 6 months supervised diet. I wish i knew earlier. Get ur fact straight before u waste ur time