Approved, but may switch hospitals. Can it be done?

[pinksjo1 137]

I am having second thoughts about going to the hospital I have chosen. I have everything done, am approved. Its that the customer service I have received through this process is lacking to say the least. My insurance only supports two hospitals in my area (St. Alexius - who I have now, and Des Peres). So I was wondering if anyone else has ever switched in the 12th hour. I left a message for St. Alexius telling them I am uneasy with them as the customer service was so poor, and I am very afraid it may stay the same of even get worse - and after surgery I would need their support more than ever. I also sent a message to Des Peres asking if this was a possible switch. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks!

Joan

[Nbdtyme 6]

Congratulations on getting approved.

I initially started off at GHP in Grand Rapids, MI. I basically had everything done there, it really was a great facility. However, I did not click with the behaviorist so I switched to Spectrum Health

Weight Loss Specialists and I love everyone there so much more.

Once I realized that GHP wasn't for me I called my insurance company and told them about my situation. I was told that I would be able to switch just have the Dr's submit the paperwork but if the new place wanted me to retake certain test I might have to pay for them out of pocket. Lucky for me they didn't need me to take any new test, just meet with everyone.

I was even able to get a better surgery date, instead of waiting til August I'm having surgery on the 26th of June.

So I recommend you call your insurance company directly and ask them what the procedure is to change doctors/hospitals.

[pinksjo1 137]

Excellent - I will give my insurance a call. Thanks for the feedback!

[pinksjo1 137]

Called the original hospital today to let them know that I was going to the other hospital. Called the new hospital to let them know (they requested all my records be sent to them). Called the insurance company, they approved the switch (just wanted the new hospital to use the same approval code - to make things easier).

So not difficult to do, just a few phone calls.

So if you are having second thoughts about your current hospital, you can change.