Approved for how long?!

[DaniVSG 8]

So I got the call today that my insurance approved my surgery!!

Yes!

On to my question, I am a smoker and my surgeon requires his patients to be 60 day nicotine free before he'll perform any procedure. Fine, no big deal. I should have already quit to anticipate the procedure.

My question is how long do surgical approvals last? I'm courting the idea of February for my sleeve but I'm curious as to whether I'll have to seek another approval or if once it's approved I can do it whenever?! The insurance company and plan will not be changing in 2017.

Any advice is appreciated!

[Amyc2912 5]

I was approved in October and my approval lasts until the end of the year. You should get a letter in the mail that says how long you're approved for. The person who handles the insurance for your surgeon should also have the dates.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

[weneebug 88]

Mine was only 30 days from the scheduled surgery date that my doctor gave them.

[DaniVSG 8]

Thanks for the response, I'll keep an eye out for my letter. The office called this morning after attempting to contact me before the holiday and just said the scheduler would be in contact with me, no idea when that will be. :-/

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

[DaniVSG 8]

Mine was only 30 days from the scheduled surgery date that my doctor gave them.

I'm afraid that's what mine will be so I'll more than likely be looking at gaining approval closer to time. Thanks for the response!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

[Aggiemae 739]

Call you back nsurance and ask. You might have to go to monthly appointments or classes to keep the approval. There was a woman in my class who had to start the whole process over because she didn't know her insurance requirements.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[CherCare 34]

Aetna gave me a 4 month window.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited December 24, 2016 by CherCare

[DaniVSG 8]

I spoke with my surgeon's office and they stated I would need to contact them after the first of the year and have then resubmit everything to verify benefits then everything should be all in line to setup a date.

Sent from my SM-S906L using the BariatricPal App