This is my first post, and I would truly appreciate any and all replies.

I am confused about seeing my doctor before knowing that I'm approved. I have Medicare (not Medicare Advantage) with Blue Cross/Blue Shield being my secondary.

A few weeks ago I sent in all my paperwork including insurance information to my surgeon. Tomorrow I have an appointment with him. To my knowledge I have not yet been approved by my insurance to have surgery.

So my question is, is this normal? Do you see your surgeon and go through all the hoops before ever being approved? I guess it's just not making sense to me.

Thank you so much!

22 minutes ago, sassy683 said:

I met my surgeon when I did the consultation back in march prior to me starting the process... I was given a "dummy date".. I just completed the process and the surgeon office is sending all my information over to the insurance company for approval.. if approved I meet the surgeon again Oct 3 for pre-op diet plan and my surgery date would be Oct 19th

Congratulations on your surety date! My meeting with my surgeon went so smoothly! I was told how many pounds I needed to lose, what tests need to be done, and was told my insurance always pays. Surgery in a few months!!! ???

8 hours ago, AsianBeauty said:

I was approved the same day. Mine was supper quick.

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

That gives me hope! I submit for approval on the 29th after my last nutrition appointment. My coordinator says that they have 15 business days to send a response but Anthem usually takes less than 5. I am so ANXIOUS!!!

My coordinator told me 30 days. I was anxious also. I think I was way to anxious because I called anthem myself, probably about 4 hrs after my info was submitted to check the status and they told me it was approved. A few days later my coordinator called. I just act like I was surprised but I already new. You should call Anthem and check your self because you already could have been approved.

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

5 hours ago, AsianBeauty said:

My coordinator told me 30 days. I was anxious also. I think I was way to anxious because I called anthem myself, probably about 4 hrs after my info was submitted to check the status and they told me it was approved. A few days later my coordinator called. I just act like I was surprised but I already new. You should call Anthem and check your self because you already could have been approved.

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Oh I will! I am a pest!! Lol

This was my timeline:
July 6th final appt with pcp
July 26th consult with surgeon
July 28th submitted to insurance for approval
August 11th approved
August 14 scheduled for
September 21 surgery

Mind you, my pcp suggested I start my preop diet soon after I saw her beginning of July. So I've been on and off liquids for 6 weeks not having any clue when my surgery would be. My surgeon office would not even give me an indication as to how far out he was booking. My boss was ready to strangle me because I had to hire and train someone to work for me while I'm off.

6 hours ago, jacinthapittman said:

This was my timeline:
July 6th final appt with pcp
July 26th consult with surgeon
July 28th submitted to insurance for approval
August 11th approved
August 14 scheduled for
September 21 surgery

Mind you, my pcp suggested I start my preop diet soon after I saw her beginning of July. So I've been on and off liquids for 6 weeks not having any clue when my surgery would be. My surgeon office would not even give me an indication as to how far out he was booking. My boss was ready to strangle me because I had to hire and train someone to work for me while I'm off.

Thank you for replying. I saw my surgeon, was told I was approved, and started the entire process of tests, etc. I don't even have much weight to lose before surgery. I'm convinced it all depends on your insurance.