my dr office suggested I call my insurance to light a fir under their tush hahaha

what do I say? I hate when I call people/places and sound like a blabbering idiot cuz I have no idea....soooo any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks! :thumbup:

I hate having to call people but just pick up the phone and say "I was wondering where I stand with this." It's polite and may get them moving knowing that you are keeping track of their progress (or lack thereof).

Call them and just be direct-- I'm calling because I've applied for coverage of this surgery and my doctor is ready to schedule (you can make this part up) and we need to have a decision as soon as possible.

Get the full name of the person you speak with. Ask him/her when you will have an answer. Ask how they will let you know-- will they fax it to your doctor, send you a letter, call? Ask them "By what date should I call you back if I haven't heard anything?"

And then call back if you need to. I know it's a pain in the a---.... but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you don't get a straight answer from the person who is helping you, ask to speak to her supervisor (and you don't have to be rude about it- sweet works best), but you do need some answers.

Insurance companies can be a huge pain to deal with... so much bureaucracy it's maddening.

I recommend finding out what time zone they are located in and call first thing when they open.

Good luck!

*Treat it like a presentation -Have your talking points outlined

*Have your insurance card/plan info at hand

*Take notes; get names/confirmation number if app.

*Note on your calendar a follow up date

I have UHC and I used to call them at least once a week asking "I am calling to check on the status of a pre dermination that was submitted by my provider" each time they would tell me they are not showing anything in the system and that by law they have 30 days to review and give a response. My last call was on April 2, 2010 where they told me the same line, and that weekend I received a letter in the mail stating I was approved and it was dated April 1, 2010 ... The surgeon received a copy as well, but not my provider so they were not able to notify me sooner of my approval and surgery date ... Moral of the story - sometimes calling insurance does not make it go any faster, especially when they are not organized on thier end, haha.

I want to emphasize something that was touched on in another response- be NICE. Really, really nice. Smile while you are talking because the person on the other end of the line can hear that.

Phone customer service (in any industry) is a very rough job and it is easy to get "snippy" when the caller is less than friendly.

Be direct. Tell them your file has been submitted by your Dr.s office and you want to see where you are in the approval process. Make sure you are sent to the correct department.

If you don't get much of an answer after all that and you have someone sympathetic sounding on the line, tell him or her you are really anxious for the approval and ask 1. When should I call back to check again and 2. Is it ok if I ask to speak with you again or is there someone else who handles this?

Good luck. I'll be in your shoes shortly!!

kagead