Is being eligible for the service of gastric sleeve, the same as being approved? I got a call from my surgeon's office letting me know I was approved for surgery, and now just need to complete their requirements (pulmonlogist visit) before I can get a date. I recieved a letter copied to me, that my surgeon recieved from the insurance company saying I was eligible for the services. Was just focused on that word "approved" so was wondering if that meant the same thing! ha ha.

Edited November 20, 201411 yr by sleeveittobelieveit

Typically yes you are approved. My guess is the insurance company used the word eligible because there are some things that need to be completed before you can get a surgery date.

I work in insurance and I wouldn't accept that as approved.

Approved is approved

Eligible means I have coverage, service coverage is available, and maybe I can get approved

I would get something else from your carrier. Specifically a phone call, someone's name and employee id

Log the time and date of call

I think they're hedging their bets and won't give final approval until all program requirements are met.

The insurance company isn't going to approve you until you have gone through the process required for approval. Eligible means your insurance covers it and you meet the basic criteria.