Pre Operative Chaos and Confusion

[sleeved.brc 0]

Hi all!
I am inquiring within.

I was pre-approved July 2021.
I went through all of my required appointments.
I was never truly provided a set caloric intake, carb goal, Protein goal, etc.

Today was my “pre op” appointment, I received my pre operative documentation as well as back dated prescriptions for post op from January 28th, 2022.

Upon completion of this appointment, my insurance called and said they’re waiting for my file. Then after further research, another authorization was submitted for a consult. I had a slight gain, nothing major where it would completely offset me.

Yet, I was scheduled with the bariatric coordinator for next Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 for my “pre op” walkthrough. I was also told by the medical assistant to start my liquid diet by Wednesday. I am genuinely confused as to why there are so many loops and hoops with the bariatric process.

Insurance : United Healthcare Signature *** via my employer (government entity)

What is the chance of approval or denial?
Why would I get to the finish line in this process and still be completely confused as to what is occurring next?

[GradyCat 3,692]

I don't understand why you're still having pre-op appointments if your surgery isn't scheduled and you were pre-approved 8 months ago. My process was 3-4 months start to finish.

[sleeved.brc 0]

2 hours ago, GradyCat said:

I don't understand why you're still having pre-op appointments if your surgery isn't scheduled and you were pre-approved 8 months ago. My process was 3-4 months start to finish.

Exactly, this is where the confusion lies.

[lizonaplane 1,605]

It took me almost 8 months to get surgery because my surgery center was so disorganized and backed up from COVID delays.

Can you try to talk to the surgery coordinator/scheduler about your concerns? It was hard for me to get good information.

I feel your pain. Hopefully you will have surgery soon and you will be very happy with the results!

[TheWeightisOvr 74]

It seems rather disorganized without telling you why. A timeline should have been given to you at your first appointment and followed completely. I would voice a concern about the confusion you feel and give them the opportunity to explain.

[FarfelDiego 118]

Hello! I was pre-approved in July 2021 too. My insurance required 6 months of nutritional classes which I started the first week in August and finished first week of January 2022. I’m in Anaheim! So we’re neighbors! After the nutritional class which was all done through Zoom there was a zoom doctors talk. And a phone psych consult.

Lots of hoops and loops! I thought I’d get a surgery date first and then do the pre-op testing needed and the surgical clearance but apparently it’s the other way around as they have told me.

I know that the Covid omicron surge may have muddled the wait times. and that my place Smart Dimensions has a lot ALOT of patients in the queues. I wish the process could have been explained more straightforwardly and been more expedient. I have some pre-op procedures on the 1st, chest x-ray and upper GI and clearance but I haven’t been given a walk-through or instructions about a liquid diet beforehand. Will that be next? Lol! I’m ready for the next hoop!

Good Luck with your upcoming surgery!

[Jue 73]

I had 2 pre ops then covid 19 hit and never heard anything for a while then 28th July got a phone call telling me my surgery was on the 23rd Aug and got an appointment for a pre OP egg, and bloods then start my liquid diet and then another phone call saying I needed an Iron infusion as quick as possible before my surgery that happened on the thur and had my OP on the mon and never looked back good luck hope it gets sorted out for you