Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How quickly were you approved?



Recommended Posts

How quickly were you approved by your insurance? My paperwork was sent to insurance today and my contact at the surgeon's office said to start calling the insurance company around the middle of next week. Could I be approved that quickly?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

took me from august till jan. so about 5 months for me but I've heard of some people getting approved alot faster though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Laurend, I always say that an early call is in order just to make sure the carrier has all the information they need. If you wait two or three weeks you might just find out after all that time that they're missing this document or that test result, and you've lost all that time. So go ahead and call next week just to make sure their file on you is complete.

In that phone call ask them when you can expect a determination. 30 days is the absolute maximum you should have to wait, and in most cases it's a lot faster. But that countdown doesn't even start until their file is totally complete. So that's what you want to confirm as soon as you can.

Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it will, in great part, depend upon your insurance carrier and your surgeon's office. My surgeon's office was so on top of eveything that I didn't have to do any of the grunt work myself. After first meeting with my surgeon in April, I was apporved in May and chose my date for early July (teacher's schedule!).

I have heard horror stories from other people regarding their approval process though. Some insurance carries routinely look for anything to delay the claim and will give you the run-around when you call. So make sure your surgeon's office stays on top of things as well.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thanks for this thread... I think Alexandra has great advice.. call, call, call and check with them... let them know that you are waiting.

I have already been in contact with my insurance company, and i'm hoping that my case will stick in their head just to get it pushed through... I am not shy about contacting them and being a squeaky wheel.... I just hope it works!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to my doctor around December 18/19th and the insurance company (UHC) recieved the information on Dec 20th. I called EVERY DAY and always got a different answer (ranging from, I dont show any info on a lapband all the way to it is still in review) all the way until about a week ago when I was informed that I was approved on the 29th!!! No one in the insurance company told me this even when I called to find out! I was told I would recieve the letter within 10 days.

My doctor office told me they had to have the approval letter in hand by last Friday otherwise they was going to have to push the surgery date back by a week. I decided to call the insurance company to have someone fax the letter over to the doctor's office. I called and kept getting transfered. After being told to call a number that ended up being a porn number, I had it! I called back and got in touch with a woman (Katrina) who really took the time to listen to me. She spent about an hour trying to come up with a resolution. She ended up re-typing the approval letter and faxing it over to the doctor's office. I had my pre-op appointment today and my surgery is in 10 days.

So, it took me 2 1/2 weeks full of pestering the insurance company (a pain but well worth it!) and I had my letter in hand. It really depends on the insurance company but taking the time to keep in contact with the insurance company really does help like everyone else said earlier.

I just wanted to give you a little hope and keep your head up!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW Stephanie!!!!!!! GREAT POST, very motivating for us just starting to deal with insurance.....

I had my consult yesterday, and the dr office is supposed to fax my documentation today.. (they are going to call me) So, I'll keep you posted on how long it takes me

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was approved before I even knew the doctors office sent out the paperwork. For my insurance company the secretary said it usually takes between 2-4 days. Basically they know real quick if they will approve you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it took about 3 weeks for my approval. My surgeon's office handled everything. I just gave them my preminilary paperwork and medical records, and next thing I knew I had a letter of pre-approval from my insurance company.

It was very painless (back then) for me. I was 90% expecting to be denied as I didn't have comorbidities. At the very least I expected to have to submit additional paperwork or undergo some tests, but nope!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh - yeah - situation similar to Ariel. I submitted my preliminary stuff, then started getting annoyed with my surgeon's office because they're instructions stated, "If you haven't heard anything in 2 weeks, call us" and I had been calling them and they weren't getting back with me. So finally they called me back. I was expecting "we also need..." and instead she says, "I'm assuming you got the same letter I did..." and told me I was pre-approved. Then when I went to check mail on my way home, there it was.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That gives me hope. I have my first consultation this Friday and my insurance company covers the surgery. I already have my medical records, had a physical last month, receipts from WW. I dont want to go in too anxious, but looking prepared and that I am serious. Plus I have all the knowledge I have obtained from the awesome site, Im hoping it wont be very much longer after that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just wanted to let you know that Regence has changed their policy regarding the lap band. Seems they will cover it as long as you meet their criteria! It's about time! Yahoo! :clap2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×