Trying to be a patient with patience...

[devoted04 29]

May 2014 I attended a bariatric information meeting. Started the 6 month physician assisted weight loss requirement for insurance. Completed beginning of Oct. Paperwork submitted to Cigna 2 weeks ago. 1 week later found out I was temporarily denied because they are requesting a letter of medical necessity and medical clearance from my PCP. Informed my PCP who stated she would submit letter (all before my surgeons office had any idea I was denied). Surgeons office stated they would call me Monday (yesterday) with a status to the resubmission (assuming they receive pcp letter in a day or two). I've sent 3 follow up emails since last week and last one stated to please let me know when letter from PCP is received bc I don't want they surgeons office to be waiting on her document and I don't want to bother my pcp if she sent it. Called Cigna today and they stayed they haven't received any additional paperwork yet...grrrr.

I'm on a strict deadline and so frustrated. I need an approval and to have surgery prior to the end of the year. Sigh. Patience is a virtue that I lack.....

[finediva 979]

@devoted04. Is there anyway you are able to go into your PCP's office and get the letter? When I was gathering all documents for my surgery I had to make several trips to doctors offices to pick up letters and test results the were never received by fax in my surgeon's office. I took no prisoners when I was trying to qualify for my surgery. I went after the process like it was my job. I realized I was just another file to some of those office personnel. So I advocated for myself. Get your letter and get your approval. Best.

[devoted04 29]

Oh yes. I'm going to do that Wednesday. Was just hoping to know something before then. I know these people (pcp and surgeons nurse) personally, spits hard bc I don't want to be overbearing and a PITA, however I also want to advocate for myself.

[devoted04 29]

Called, got the letter. Surgeons office emailed me saying they have it and faxing to insurance right then (at lunchtime). Yay!

[devoted04 29]

I received a denial letter today. I was so frustrated because they denied without having all the info. I took a deep breath and called insurance. After review they found that they received the info they needed and stayed I should have an answer by Friday, at the latest Monday. Fingers crossed!!!!

[chip305 51]

I hope you get good news quickly, the waiting game is a killer! Wishing you the best.

[devoted04 29]

Amazingly quick!!! Received a call from surgeons office today with my approval!!! Surgery scheduled for 11/13 pending pre-admission qualifications turn out ok (ie EKG, labs, chest X-ray) which is Monday and EGD scheduled for Wednesday! Yay!!!!!

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

Congratulations! I see you are in Missouri. Anywhere near KC? I plan to use KCBariatrics and Dr Hoehn. Keep us all posted on your recovery and progress!! All the best! Sherriee

[devoted04 29]

@wannabethinsoon Yes! I'm about an hour and half north of Kansa city! I'm having my surgery at Heartland in St. Joseph with Dr. Hornbostel on Nov 13th!!

[Miss Mac 6,261]

Congratulations on gettingg you approval. I agree with the others that the approval is far more exhausting than anything you will experience post-op. Post-op is the easy part barring complications.