How proactive were you?

[mage54 28]

I feel like my surgeon's office is dragging their feet on getting my paperwork even submitted. I don't want to be the annoying guy that calls every single day, but at the same time I'm not sure that I shouldn't do whatever it takes to get things moving more quickly. I've done all the tests and everything why not push a little?

[Miss Mac 6,261]

Maybe your hospital has a Patient Advocate on board.

[MsK1972 112]

Well I had to push but be sure they are dragging because they are and not for good reason. My doctor wanted me to lose some weight (to show insurance I was serious) and log my meals as well so that insurance wouldn't continue to give us a hard time, I'm finding that depending on insurance they are really denying people lately.

I called & emailed my coordinator until we had an open line of communication and she included me in every process...but it's because I was nice..I expressed my frustration but calmly and sincerely..she was very compassionate. Remember you catch more B's with honey.

[BKLYNgal87 503]

Sounds like the handiwork of a lazy employee. On the whole, surgeon's offices thrive on processing more patients more quickly because it's more $$$. That's what it's all about at the end of the day. So unless the coordinator has legitimate reasons for holding up your paperwork (ie: test results or insurance approval pending), by all means be that "annoying guy" and call until you get some answers. You are a patient, yes, but health care is still a business at heart.

[mage54 28]

I had thought maybe it was for a reason too, but I've lost almost 40 pounds since doing the diet and everything since January and she told me a week ago almost she was going to send it in. I called the insurance yesterday and nothing so I called her and left a message. I called the insurance again today and they still haven't even gotten the paperwork.

It's really frustrating but I don't want to be burdensome to then either. I just want answers I mean this is a huge deal in my life.

[MsK1972 112]

I am sorry you're having such a hard time, I think they get overwhelmed, I never knew so many ppl were having surgery. In my office, the coordinator, and billing & insurance specialist are 2 different ppl. Maybe you should attempt to get someone else on the phone if its a large practice.

[ElginChris 87]

Mage,

I understand how you feel. I want to get my journey started as quickly as you do. i honestly think that my doctors want to help me, give the m the time to do so.

I would approach my doctor like this. Speak with your coordinator and get a specific outline of the steps in their process. Ask questions. Ask about turn around and response times. Be proactive. Be nice. But dont be a pain in the butt. A well informed patient is a good patient, a know it all patient is a nightmare.

Hold people accountable about response times, etc., but you also need to hold your end of the bargain and do what you say you will do. Again be nice.

Understand that things also take time. Be realistic. If the doctor, says it will take up to 48 hours, give them 48 hours. Also understand that there may be glitches, additional tests, etc. This surgery is complex, your doctors are just trying to make sure you are safe.

For me, the end result is what will matter, not the few bumps along the way.

[mage54 28]

Well I called back up there and was able to talk to her this time she told me that the information was submitted to them probably about 5 minutes before I called so now it's time to just sit back and wait.

Thanks to each of you... I wanted to make sure I'm walking the fine line between being my own advocate, but not being too irritating about it.

[Pookeyism 1,143]

I have posted replies to several questions, but my experiences were based on other encounters related to insurance over the years. I had an additional issue that had to be worked on, so the issues I had with insurance were after the fact, etting them to be accountable for their portion, finding out they had misrepresented what they had to cover, etc.

I would generally, follow up with phone calls by sending emails, request you be included in paperwork going out either by being included in the email that has the attachments, or a copy of sent faxes.

There is a difference in pushing to see a response versus confirming your paperwork was sent.

Just let them know you want confirmation they are doing things in the timeline they are supposed to do them, doing them reasonably well, for the money they are paid.

Be polite when you say, "no, I wont wait till the last day to have untill to complete something to see if you DID, then have to wait if you DIDN'T, I want confirmation BEFORE that."

If you get too many responses that they have till so-and-so, again, remind them that dead-end deadlines are made NOT to fall back on, but to AVOID. You are not a term paper, not a parking ticket, not a Water bill, you are a human eagerly awaiting very important news. Do your best to convey this to the person in the office that matters. If too few people seem to care, perhaps another doctor is best. I went to another doctor because my care was lukewarm with the first. I am not a bath. Lukewarm is not okay.