Just curious if anyone had their approval from Aetna recently. How long did you have to wait to hear? My paperwork was submitted this morning. I called and they did receive everything so now I am just waiting. The insurance specialist at my surgeron mentioned they were being slower than usual...

I have Aetna and it seemed like forever until I got word of appoval. I actually phoned their office after 7 days every other day for status check. Total I think it took close to two weeks (and they told me it could take a month). I called the phone number on the back on my card and phoned and wanted to get an update to my pending surgery. If they say it is being processed, ask if there is a reference number yet and if they do write it down and use it for future calls as reference if needed. I was the first to get word that my surgery got approved, I then phoned my doctor's office with an approval number and they phoned Aetna to verify and then the ball got rolling! Good luck!

I also have Atena and it took about two weeks. I also called them next day to make sure they recieved paper work, then every other day. The third time I called they said wait at least a week so I did and called everyday till I was told it was appproved. I did have to get them more information as I was missing a month on my 6 month wieght and exersise , my PCP's mistake. I got it for them had it faxed in and the next day was approved.

yes aetna does apply the surgery

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

Hate to be the bummer in this thread but I have Aetna. My packet was submitted for approval on October 7th. Within 2 weeks it was denied. I then appealed their decision and my appeal was denied. I went for their third submission and it was approved within 2 weeks but every time my surgeon's office called for a status they always said it was pending even though a letter had already been sent out (since I usually received the denial/approval within 2 days from phone call). Even though it is a waiting game I want to stress not to give up! I almost did especially after 2 denials. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was banded on November 29th. Now the only other thing I have to possibly fight along with my surgeon's office is getting them to pay the actual claim. Sometimes they like to play games like that according to the ins specialist in my surgeon's office. Good Luck!

Sorry Jen,

They are closed on weekends and do not do authorizations. Hang in there!!

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

I have Aetna and my package was approved in 7 days. And there was a 3 day weekend in there too.

Hey Jenn - I don't have Aetna but I do know how frustrating it is to have to wait. They submitted my paperwork on 11/22 and I haven't heard anything yet. Michele (from Dr. Spaws) called within a few days to verify that they had everything they needed. They told her it had all been received and said it was pending. I called a few days later (12/2) and at first they told me that they didn't show that they had received it. Then i explained that my docs office already verified that it was received and she did some more research. Then she said it had been received but they didn't show it was being reviewed. I emailed Michele and told her what they had told me. She called them on 12/3 and got the reference number and assured me that it had already been in the reviewal process. Point being - insurance companies are frustrating! After she assured me - I've been pretty calm about it. She said most the time (with BCBS) anyway, that it gets approved first go 'round. Have you asked Dr. Spaws office to schedule you date?

Good luck Jen!!

Bummer. I have read 2 days, 4 days, and several weeks. I hate the waiting the most. I did everything they required.

I called them today still nothing. Anyone know if they process preauthorizations over the weekend?

Well I have a reference number now but nothing else. Last week my dr indicated I could possibly have surgery 12-14 if approved in time. They had me start on pre-op diet and now I'm just hoping it all works out since 12-14 is next week

Awesome. Reference number is a start. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Aetna is sure pokey. Your experience sounds all too familiar. Keep us posted!

I have Aetna as well and it took a couple of weeks for approval. They kept requesting more information but finally approved.

Hate to be the bummer in this thread but I have Aetna. My packet was submitted for approval on October 7th. Within 2 weeks it was denied. I then appealed their decision and my appeal was denied. I went for their third submission and it was approved within 2 weeks but every time my surgeon's office called for a status they always said it was pending even though a letter had already been sent out (since I usually received the denial/approval within 2 days from phone call). Even though it is a waiting game I want to stress not to give up! I almost did especially after 2 denials. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was banded on November 29th. Now the only other thing I have to possibly fight along with my surgeon's office is getting them to pay the actual claim. Sometimes they like to play games like that according to the ins specialist in my surgeon's office. Good Luck!

Did they tell you why they denied you the first two times?

I would like to be ready for any thing they send my way

Hate to be the bummer in this thread but I have Aetna. My packet was submitted for approval on October 7th. Within 2 weeks it was denied. I then appealed their decision and my appeal was denied. I went for their third submission and it was approved within 2 weeks but every time my surgeon's office called for a status they always said it was pending even though a letter had already been sent out (since I usually received the denial/approval within 2 days from phone call). Even though it is a waiting game I want to stress not to give up! I almost did especially after 2 denials. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was banded on November 29th. Now the only other thing I have to possibly fight along with my surgeon's office is getting them to pay the actual claim. Sometimes they like to play games like that according to the ins specialist in my surgeon's office. Good Luck!

Yeah, I would like to know why they said they denied it 2 times then approved it the 3rd. I have Aetna and I think I would just freak out if they did that.