It is Monday and I had to make my weekly call, again. I had my sleep study July 26, and my nuclear stress echo on August 13. I have been pre-approved by BCBS of IL and gotten clearance from the psychologist (that is all BCBS requires). But my 2 specialist Doc's are dragging their feet getting my letters to Dr.Joyce's office. I started by calling BMI surgery and struck the jackpot by talking to the Coordinator, herself! She initially said they did not have anything from the pulmonologist, but when I told her they promised me last week they were faxing the letter-she SUDDENLY found it! But the cardiologist clearance was still not on file. So I called the the Cardiologist's office and they ASSURED ME they would be faxing it TOMORROW!

My push for getting all this done is so they will give me a surgery date! I have seen that some docs give a date even before insurance approves them, but not BMI Surgery....you gotta have all your ducks in a row! It is a big office, and I know they are busy-but have a little courtesy and at least give me an estimation! I'm sure I'm not the only one with an employer that needs to know when an employee is taking off for a few weeks!

Ok, enough venting!

I tried and pushed my surgeon's office for a surgery date as well becuase I needed to let my office know as well....the initial date was too soon, as I have to get things in order here first - so I have a date of Sept. 10...which is just around the corner....but they would not do a date until I got the insurance approval as well.

I tried and pushed my surgeon's office for a surgery date as well becuase I needed to let my office know as well....the initial date was too soon, as I have to get things in order here first - so I have a date of Sept. 10...which is just around the corner....but they would not do a date until I got the insurance approval as well.

That's the funny thing, I DO HAVE INSURANCE APPROVAL! They want these specialist's clearance also. Which I understand medically, but I have no pre-existing conditions-it's just making $$ for these specialty docs. Very frustrating.

I had no issues with BMI. Cherish always answers the phone when I have called. They will not schedule your surgery until you have all your clearance letters. I had all mine in before they even submitted to the insurance. As you know they book pretty quickly. I love Dr. Joyce, you are in good hands. Knowing how far they book out I would imagine you are looking at the middle-end of September.