had an appt with surgeons office...should I have a surgery date

[daco525 0]

I had my appt with the surgeon's office for lap band consult. Prior to this appt I went to the informational seminar, had the psych and nutrition eval done and sent to their office. Next week I have my second appt with the primary for supervised diet. Anyway I have several co-morbidities, the office seemed certain that we would be doing the surgery at the end of May. They gave me a checklist of a few things to get to their office: most recent bloodwork, the letter and notes from supervised diet and pre-op packet and physical filled out by primary and sent to them within 30 days of surgery. I told them my last 6 month appt was May 1. After leaving the surgeons office I became concerned that I don't have a surgery date for the end of May. I will be getting everything in on May 1, I think I am taking a chance that even if ins. approves it right away will the surgery will be able to be scheduled within 3-4 weeks. I know this seems silly, but I don't want everything done and approved and I need to wait another 2 months for a surgery date. Should I call the office. Some people have their dates way in advance.

[Bjornsyouruncle 0]

I can only go from personal experience, but my doctor's office doesn't schedule your surgery date until after they have the written approval from your insurance company. It is always possible that your initial request will be denied because some form isn't submitted properly or they take longer than a month to approve you.