How long for approval from BCBS Illinois?

[beckyloo4 40]

I have finished all the prerequisites for the bariatric program and I have my date of March 13th for surgery. My last appointment was this past Friday where they wrote me out scripts for pain meds and a couple other meds to have filled before the surgery. My question is, my surgery is 2 weeks away, I start my preop liquid diet the 28th and my surgeon hasn't submitted to bcbsil for final approval yet! Does anyone out there have bcbsil that was approved so close to surgery? I called the office today and they told me it would be submitted this week. Im just so nervous with my luck that something will happen and Ill get denied or my surgery will get pushed back because the approval is taking too long. This waiting sucks! I already submitted to my work for medical leave/short term disability. Anybody have any input?

[SugarFreeMe 293]

BCBS IL already approved me and I haven't even completed by surgeons prerequisites. They're usually pretty quick. If your surgeon is with a "Center of Excellence" the approval should be quick,insurances know they have higher standards and they only submit for those who WILL/DO quality. Trust your surgeon, they know how insurance companies work and how much time they need to allow for approvals.

[beckyloo4 40]

Bcbs IL did approve the initial request back before I completed everything required like 4 months ago. I am using a center of excellence since that's the rule with bcbs. I guess I'm just being a worry wort. These past couple months haven't been the greatest for me. Trying to stay positive though!

[cutiepieinchi 158]

I have bcbs of IL and will be having surgery this summer. I was told by my doctor that bcbs generally does quick approvals especially if you have a bmi over 40.

[Cupcake 801]

Hi my insurance approved me after 1 week . Good luck, I'm sure your hoping your going to be fine.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

After completing all of my surgeons requirements they resubmitted and everything went fine. They got the approval the same day. My surgery is tomorrow - yikes.

[cutiepieinchi 158]

After completing all of my surgeons requirements they resubmitted and everything went fine. They got the approval the same day. My surgery is tomorrow - yikes.

Wow you are on the other side now..I hope you are doing well