How long did it take for a Tricare approval?

[brat7169 0]

My doctor submitted the authorization request on 12/1/09 and it is 10 days later and I am still "pending". Tricare says it is due to it being an elective procedure and not having a surgery date scheduled so they do not have to approve within 5 days like other procedures.

Has anyone else had this problem?

[Mimilou2004 13]

I knew in 2 days, something sounds strange because they can't book your surgery date w/o the approval. I think maybe you need to talk to someone at Tricare higher up the food chain!!!

Good Luck,

Mimi

[HotToddy 0]

I agree with mimilou. I was approved in 2 days. I would certainly call and speak with someone other than a customer service rep.

Good luck!!!

[brat7169 0]

I spoke with multiple people in the medical management division and I get different answers. Usually it is, you should be approved within 5 business days. So now I am going on 10 business days and the response is, well it's an elective procedure so it is not an urgent request and it doesn't have to be approved within 5 days. Yesterday it was they were waiting on additional information from the physician's office or depending on who I spoke to, it's waiting for a supervisors approval. Basically because I don't have a scheduled surgery date, they can take as long as they want. And why is that after 10 days they discover missing information. I never get any straight answers.

[Luv2Lose 0]

Mine was turned in 12/4 which was a Friday and I had approval 12/7 which was the following Monday. I am tricare prime.

[brat7169 0]

I finally received my approval today even though they say it was approved on the 14th. Wahooo!!!

Edited December 16, 2009 by brat7169

[HotToddy 0]

Congratulations!!!

[Taegan 0]

I am going through the same thing right now...Triwest was faxed my paper work on Feb. 4th, so let the waiting begin! I am already going crazy and it's only been 48 hours!