How Long?

Wondering from any of you who care to share, how long it took to get your surgery date? My saga started in Oct., and I have all the workup stuff done, surgeon ready to submit to insurance (blue cross). I wonder how long it will take for insurance to approve, THEN how long for surgeon to give me a date? Would love to hear from your experiences on this. It will be Higa, in Fresno. Thanks. I'm new and this site should be really helpful. Fern

I started my process in Sept. my Dr submitted to the ins. (Healthsmart) Feb 14 and suprisingly got an approval the very next day. And i had my surgery last Wednesday march 12. Hope yours goes well also.

I guess I am lucky...went for my first meeting with the surgeon around Jan 14th. Got my approval Feb 28th and my date Feb 29th. Hugs, Dori

I began my journey of things in July of 2007. I went through the doctor supervised diet visits, Psych appts, and physical therapy to ensure I was healthy enough. That all too****il the last week in November of 2007. Then they submitted it to BCBS. Well, I learned what the BS in BCBS stands for. They denied me the first go around and said they wanted more supervised diet (Full 6 months). So, I had to wait until the 2nd week of February to appeal. They called me on Feb 14th with approval and Feb 15th with a surgery date. So, March 27th I get my RNY and begin my 2nd life.

Wow I just read your reply John and cant belive it! I am so sorry to hear that.. I guess it depends what plan you have... I am BCBS PPO (Federal Employee Program), I thought it was all the same... sorry a little bit of my ignorance is showing! Either way.. good luck Fern, I will say alittle prayer for you!!!

I went in October as well. I have Blue Shield and my Sister had Blue Cross. We are having RNY with Boone, also in Fresno. My sister had surgery on Feb. 11 and I am schd for March 20th. I had to really follow up a lot with staff. They seem to have loss faxes and I had to resubmit but I herd back from insurance in January? Hope this helps Lisa

Well the good thing is that you have Blue Cross... My surgeons office said it was the quickest and easiest to approve and they dont require a 6month medically monitored diet. I started my journey on Dec. 28th and am scheduled for surgery on March 20th, though I do belive the stars were aligned in my favor! But nevertheless my surgeon actually booked my surgery without having the approval because he knew it would take about a week, and sure enough I got my approval letter within 7 business days of their submittal and a case manager called me from BCBS to notify me as well. Overall they have been GREAT!!! I wish you the best of luck and dont worry sunshine!

Wow, Marisol, only a couple more days. I am so exited for you. Many, many thanks for the encouraging information. Fern

I have been waiting a year so far if my clinic does not get the center of excellence I could be waiting a year more. Cross your fingers

Wow, I will definitely cross my fingers, and say a prayer or two for you. Is there a way for you to get to or travel to a CME somehow? That is my problem, I'm going to have to drive 4 hours to get to one, as the local surgeon is certified CMI. Fern