first appt- how long does it take for insurance to approve?

[w99e04 0]

:thumbup::thumbup:hello i am going for my first visit with dr minkin on 12-10-09 at 915. i know my current insurance through my hubby doesnt cover a lap band....but i will be will getting my insurance..which does approve lap band...it goes into effect jan 1 2010. so my question is how long does it take for insurance to so ok? and how long after your pre-op testing before they schedule surgery? i know it will be different in my case seeing as i will have a change in primary insurance but i would like to get an idea..... i will keep u posted after my appt in the am....

[abbylamb 1]

It completely depends on the insurance company. I was very lucky and had approval 2 days after my doctor's office submitted. But some people have to wait up to a month for a decision.

[kagead 0]

I've been told by my insurance co (BCBSIL) that they generally get the approvals done within 5-10 days of receipt of complete information from the Dr.

That said, they require 3 months of a supervised diet before I can even submit for surgery, so the whole process is actually much longer. I had my first meeting with the program coordinator at surgeons office on Dec. 7 and I am hoping to be banded in April or May of 2010.

Good luck to you!

kagead

[btrieger 21]

At least 4 months. If you're lucky you be be banded in late April. But don't fret it. The time flies by.

It only takes a week or 2 for the insurance company to approve but most insurance companies require a 3 to 6 month supervised diet period before the paperwork can even be submitted.

[w99e04 0]

i am very very lucky because my insurance doesnt require a supervised diet it only requires a visit with a dietician. i know this because several of the nurses i work with have the same insurance and i have spoke with them regaurding the issue and they didnt have to have this diet. so thanks so much with the info you all have provided and the nurses i work with i have a pretty good time frame.

[HiMow 0]

mine took over a year! stay in top of your doctor's office!!! mine kept losing my paperwork or forgetting to send stuff in. They even submitted the wrong code for approval!

[w99e04 0]

wwoooo hhhooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok so i had my first appt. i am getting my egd done this coming tuesday. and i can get my other preop testing besides blook work done when i call to set it up! doc said i should be able to have surgery by the end of jan!

[btrieger 21]

Which insurance company is this? I want to sign up

Congrats!