For those you that had lap-band surgery covered by your insurance company - what has been your turn around timeframe, once everything was submitted by your surgeon?

For example - if all documents were recieved by the insurance company today- how long did it take them insurance company approve or request additional information? I'm specifically interested in anyone that has worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

I was told yesterday that my "preferred" surgery date of July 27th will probably not come to pass, so I'm getting a little anxious.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I was told that is could take 4-6 weeks to review the information. I was originally deined and had an answer in a week, but that is because they deemed it experimental. I fought it and won, eventually, I had my first appointment in the end of March and my surgery is schedualed for the 28th of July. Hope this helps, also you should be able to call the number on your ins card and ask about surgical review turn-around time. ~Mandy

as far as I could tell, it was seamless. I had my inital consult in late Dec, and was banded in March, only because that was the first time I could get back in town. Spring break saw me not on a sunny beach somewhere but in the OR.

Thanks I really appreciate the feedback. I was just wondering if the Insurance co. were to reject my request I would hear from them immediately. Or if they needed additional documentation from my PCP they would respond right away.

I just hope that they approve me, I really want to get started ASAP. I feel so anxious and depressed right now. Thank God for everyone on this site! You all have no idea how much hope and inspiration you provide.

Thanks.

Lynn, in New Jersey there is a regulation that insurance carriers must render decisions within 30 days. I don't know where you are but maybe there's a similar requirement in your state.

In my experience, it doesn't take that long. But you can stay on top of it yourself, you know. Once you know your doctor has submitted the request, give it five business days and then call the carrier to be sure it's all been received. Ask if the file is complete, and if they can't give you an answer right then go ahead and ask when their preliminary review will be complete. Tell them you're not looking for a decision on the request, you just want to be sure your doctor's office didn't forget something.

There's nothing worse than waiting 30 days and then calling just to be told that, oh yes, there is one document missing and, oh yes, someone should have called the doctor's office by now... :angry Don't let this happen to you! Stay on top of them and you may get your answer sooner. Good luck!!

Thanks Alex. I'm in Chicago, so I will take your advise and stay on top of them.