Approval letter with date

[jennmonterrozo 139]

So I got an approval letter from Anthem BC/BS yesterday and it had an approved date of 6/30/17. Does that mean they scheduled my surgery for that date? I go on 5/23 to schedule but maybe they already scheduled it?

[Sweet as peaches 759]

I just received my approval letter after they revealed my surgery date from the surgeon's office. So it's possible that is your date. My date is on the approval letter.

[Jadeskys 13]

I have Aetna. I noticed the date on my letter is a week prior to the actual surgery date. My doctors double checks 2 days prior to surgery to be sure of no surprises and my surgery is Monday. They called to confirm on Friday and all is good.

[nomorefattypatty 329]

Awesome I wish you the best!

Sent from my SM-G360P using BariatricPal mobile app

[Jadeskys 13]

To follow up I did get a new approval letter from Aetna a few days before surgery with the correct date.

[Energizer 9]

Dear Jennmonterrozo,

The insurance company can't tell the surgeon or the hospital what day to schedule the surgery for. They just specify a date of approval after which the surgery can be done. I know, confusing, isn't it? Call your surgeon's office and tell them what the insurance company said; the surgeon's office will schedule the surgery with the hospital and call you with the date. Good luck - you're off to a great start on your new healthy life!

[ChaosUnlimited 559]

I had the same question when I got mine, for UHC it turned out it was the earliest date I could schedule, but it didn't turn out to be the date I scheduled.

[Finding_Stacy 263]

On 4/29/2017 at 8:46 AM, jennmonterrozo said:

So I got an approval letter from Anthem BC/BS yesterday and it had an approved date of 6/30/17. Does that mean they scheduled my surgery for that date? I go on 5/23 to schedule but maybe they already scheduled it?

My approval date on my acceptance letter was for March 1, 2017, but my surgery was on April 24, 2017--over seven weeks later. From what I understand, with at least my insurance, is that the date on the paper is good for six months afterwards.

Edit to add: I have BC/BS of IL

Edited May 8, 2017 by Finding_Stacy