Insurance Approval Timeline

homewithjacob · May 27, 2020

Hi ya'll.

After completing your surgeon's & insurance requirements and submitting to insurance:

How long before you were actually approved?
How were you notified?

canecorso81 · May 27, 2020

I am still waiting. They said they were sending over the paperwork 4/28 but still have yet too. So I am so nervous I am going to be denied.

I know things are backed up due to Covid. They said I would receive something in the mail from the insurance company or a phone call from the surgeons office.

Brenda2010 · May 27, 2020

I think now with the virus everything has changed. I had my surgery last March and it was quick. I think less than a week.

canecorso81 · May 27, 2020

Well the appointment was interesting. My doctor took 20 minutes to talk about the politics behind the covid. Then when we finally start talking about my surgery he basically went over the risks involved (which were very scary). He let me know he is excited to do my surgery as he feels it will really benefit my health issues. Then he tells me I'll hear from someone in 2 days to schedule my surgery that insurance approved it after they denied it and wanted me to lose 3 pounds, which he said the office took care of that and they then approved it. I asked oh, it was approved?? I havent heard anything . He went to check with the office lady and came back in and said I apologize, that was for the patient after you!!!!
Then the lady tells me they tried to send the paperwork and insurance company's arent accepting prior authorizations until June 12!!! I'm so frustrated and ready to give up.
So I left that appointment still waiting for an answer if I even can get approved for this.

Brandy · May 27, 2020

BCBS approved mine within two hours of being submitted. I have my setup appointment with my surgeon June 12th. Then I think I start 10 day pre op diet. It’s been almost a year since I started this process. I’m having the gastric sleeve.

LDM · May 30, 2020

BCBS denied my gastric bypass, then they denied my appeal. I am a cash pay patient for this surgery, so that shows how serious I am about making a positive change in my life. The money I am spending for the surgery would have bought a lot of donuts, pizza, pasta, and slider food! lol

Brenda2010 · May 30, 2020

LDM said:
BCBS denied my gastric bypass, then they denied my appeal. I am a cash pay patient for this surgery, so that shows how serious I am about making a positive change in my life. The money I am spending for the surgery would have bought a lot of donuts, pizza, pasta, and slider food! lol

I love your determination but is there any way you can keep appealing? I'd hate for you to have to pay out of pocket for something proven to be medically necessary. Obviously, I don't know your weight and weight-related health issues but sheesh, it's so uncommon to be completely denied these days.

canecorso81 · Jun 1, 2020

LDM said:
BCBS denied my gastric bypass, then they denied my appeal. I am a cash pay patient for this surgery, so that shows how serious I am about making a positive change in my life. The money I am spending for the surgery would have bought a lot of donuts, pizza, pasta, and slider food! lol

Wow really! That makes me upset at insurance! Why on earth were you denied twice??
I know it's a lot of money to pay personally but the determination shows and you will do great!